Adnoc, Masdar, XRG, and Microsoft join forces to power the future of AI and energy

In a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize the energy and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), Masdar, XRG, and Microsoft have forged a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to accelerate AI integration across the energy industry and develop sustainable energy solutions to support Microsoft’s expanding global AI and data center infrastructure. The announcement was made at the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the convergence of Adnoc’s industrial expertise, Masdar and XRG’s clean energy leadership, and Microsoft’s digital innovation capabilities. The alliance addresses two critical global challenges: decarbonizing energy systems and meeting the escalating energy demands of AI technologies. Central to the partnership is the co-development of AI agents to enhance operational efficiency, enable autonomous operations, and reduce emissions across Adnoc’s value chain. Microsoft will also provide advanced AI tools and training programs to upskill Adnoc’s workforce, fostering a joint innovation ecosystem for transformative energy solutions. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Group CEO, emphasized the integration of AI into operations and the advancement of energy systems to power AI. Adnoc has already achieved significant milestones in AI adoption, becoming the first energy company to implement generative AI enterprise-wide through Microsoft Copilot in November 2023. Over 40,000 employees have undergone AI training, resulting in productivity gains exceeding 70,000 hours monthly. Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President, stressed the necessity of cross-sector collaboration to achieve a sustainable and secure energy future. The partnership also supports Microsoft’s global AI expansion by leveraging clean energy from Masdar and XRG. Masdar, a global renewable energy leader with a portfolio exceeding 51 GW, aims to scale up to 100 GW by 2030. Together, these organizations are positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for energy innovation, setting a new standard for the synergy between AI and clean energy in driving sustainable industrial transformation.