Abu Dhabi, UAE:
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global clean energy landscape, and the upcoming World Future Energy Summit 2026 will place this transformation at the centre of its agenda. Scheduled for January 13–15 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the three-day summit—an anchor event of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026—will explore how advanced AI solutions can advance energy production, distribution, and long-term sustainability across the region.
This edition will introduce the FUSE AI Zone, a dedicated showcase where over 40 companies will present next-generation AI-driven technologies supporting smart infrastructure, low-carbon systems, and climate resilience. The event also marks the debut of the Artificial Intelligence Conference, which will investigate how AI can be applied responsibly in energy, infrastructure, and smart city development.
Gathering policymakers, global innovators, and technical experts, the Summit aims to spotlight AI’s predictive capabilities and its growing influence on the efficient management of clean energy networks.
AI as a Driver for Energy Innovation
Across the Middle East and North Africa, AI adoption is gaining momentum in areas such as grid optimisation, demand-response systems, and automated maintenance. Enhanced forecasting tools and improved energy storage solutions are enabling more reliable renewable energy performance.
Despite rapid progress, key questions remain:
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Can AI compensate for policy limitations that slow the transition to carbon-free energy?
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Will AI accelerate discovery and testing of technologies essential to decarbonisation?
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How can AI advance carbon capture and mineralisation research?
These issues will be central discussions at the Summit, now recognised as a leading global platform for energy and sustainability collaboration.
The UAE’s own clean energy targets—guided by the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative—include raising clean energy’s contribution to 50% of the national energy mix by 2050, cutting emissions by 70%, and tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. AI is expected to be a major enabler of these goals.
A recent AI and Technology Insights Report, prepared by the Summit and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week’s Advisory Committee, highlights how smart grid algorithms can balance supply and demand in real-time, seamlessly integrate renewable sources, and reduce reliance on new fossil-fuel plants. However, success depends heavily on investments in digital infrastructure and advanced tech skills.
Reducing Energy Use in Buildings and Businesses
The 2026 Summit will also emphasise how AI can dramatically improve efficiency in homes and commercial facilities. Global studies indicate that AI has already helped some businesses cut energy consumption by up to 60%.
Through expert panels and keynote discussions, industry leaders will explore:
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AI-powered design tools that optimise energy and water usage
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Automated systems that quickly evaluate building layouts for lower environmental impact
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Technology-driven solutions for developing resilient and sustainable urban environments
According to Summit Event Director Shyam Parmar, the event provides an essential forum for advancing AI’s role in the clean energy ecosystem. The new AI-focused zones, he noted, will encourage collaboration, spark innovative thinking, and support responsible implementation that aligns with regional sustainability objectives.
Managing AI’s Increasing Energy Demand
While AI promises vast benefits, experts are also addressing its growing energy appetite. Forecasts suggest that global AI-related electricity consumption could rise up to 50% per year between 2023 and 2030. Data centre demand is also expected to surge—from 1% of global electricity use in 2022 to more than 3% by the end of the decade.
In early 2025, Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company unveiled a groundbreaking solar-and-battery megaproject in Abu Dhabi, delivering one gigawatt of continuous renewable power each day. It is set to become the world’s largest combined solar and battery storage system.
The 2025 AI and Technology Insights Report suggests that such large-scale clean energy solutions could allow AI data centres to operate with near-zero emissions, eliminating dependence on fossil-fuel backup power.
A dedicated Summit panel will outline practical strategies to ensure AI growth aligns with global climate goals, minimises its energy footprint, and encourages sustainable innovation.
Industry leaders like Mehdi Ajana, Head of Strategy at Nabat, emphasise the importance of guiding AI development responsibly—using accurate data modelling, environmental monitoring, and measurable metrics to support meaningful climate action.
AI’s Broader Impact on Sustainability
Beyond clean energy, the 2026 Summit will examine how AI can improve sectors such as healthcare, food production, and climate forecasting. A highlight presentation will cover an advanced weather prediction tool developed by Earth Two Climate, G42, and NVIDIA, capable of delivering hyper-precise forecasts down to a single square metre. This technology has major implications for farmers, smart agriculture, and emergency planning.
The 2025 Insights Report reiterates that while AI is a powerful force, its deployment must be guided by clear objectives and human oversight. Strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, and responsible innovation are essential for turning AI’s potential into practical progress.
About the World Future Energy Summit 2026
Hosted by Masdar and held as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the Summit will return from January 13–15, 2026. As the largest event within ADSW, it continues to drive global dialogue on renewable energy and sustainability.
The 18th edition will feature:
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Over 800 international exhibitors
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The Greenhouse start-up zone
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The new Fuse AI Cleantech Pavilion
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The debut of the Greenpeace Cinema
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Conferences led by more than 300 industry experts
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Nine exhibition halls with breakthrough technologies
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Participation from 50,000+ global attendees
About Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
ADSW is a global platform led by the UAE and Masdar, dedicated to advancing environmental, economic, and social sustainability. For more than 15 years, it has united leaders from government, business, and civil society to foster impactful dialogue and global climate action.
About Masdar
Founded in 2006, Masdar is one of the world’s leading renewable energy developers and investors. With a mission to transform global energy systems, Masdar is advancing large-scale clean energy projects across multiple markets. Its worldwide portfolio now exceeds 51 gigawatts of installed and under-development capacity.
