Global leaders unite at ENACT majlis to forge sustainable AI-Energy partnerships

UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and CEO of ADNOC Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber hosted the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, gathering 80 global leaders from the energy, technology, climate, and investment sectors.

The forum centered on leveraging the opportunities of the AI-Energy-Climate Nexus, with the goal of fostering sustainable partnerships to meet the energy needs of rapidly expanding AI technologies.

The ENACT Majlis, rooted in the tradition of open and solutions-driven discussion, encouraged leaders to explore strategies for strengthening tech-energy alliances.

The event addressed the economic potential of cross-sector collaboration and the essential role of integrated energy solutions in supporting AI's growth.

Dr. Jaber emphasized the urgency of cooperation, saying, “The ENACT Majlis convened the leading minds in energy, technology, and investment to drive opportunities and advance solutions that maximize the transformative potential of AI. The exponential growth of AI is also creating a power surge that no single energy source can meet alone. We need a collaborative and integrated response across all sectors to unlock innovative solutions and fully harness the potential of AI. The ENACT Majlis has kick-started an action agenda to realize these opportunities and deliver sustainable value for all.”

The discussions highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in low-carbon energy solutions, as projections indicate AI data centers will require 150 GW of power by 2030 and 330 GW by 2040. To meet this demand, $600 billion in infrastructure investment and extensive power grid upgrades are necessary, with 80 million kilometers of grid extensions projected by 2040.

Industry leaders agreed there is no single energy solution, advocating a combined approach with nuclear, gas, and renewable energy sources.

AI's role in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions across the sector was a focal point, as attendees discussed ways to optimize energy use across various industries and the importance of modernizing power infrastructure, especially in transmission systems.

Leaders also examined financing strategies to support the AI-energy nexus, calling for investments in technologies that align with the rising energy needs of data centers. The gathering stressed the importance of a fair energy transition that addresses the economic and infrastructure challenges in the Global South.

The event coincided with the release of a report titled Powering Possible: AI and Energy for a Sustainable Future, a collaboration between ADNOC, Masdar, and Microsoft. Based on insights from over 400 thought leaders, the report explores AI's potential to improve energy efficiency, manage complex systems, reduce emissions, and support net-zero objectives amid escalating energy demands.

The ENACT Majlis was held on the eve of ADIPEC 2024, the world’s largest and most influential energy event, running from 4-7 November in Abu Dhabi.

Prominent figures in attendance included Princess Beatrice, Founder of BY-EQ; Brad Smith, Vice Chair & President of Microsoft; Jonathan Ross, CEO & Founder of Groq; Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman & Founder of Econet; and Mark Carney, UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance & Chair of Brookfield Asset Management, among other leaders in the energy and technology sectors.