Introduction
At the recent 2025 Adopt AI International Summit in Paris, Ahmad O. Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation at Aramco, delivered a compelling address highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within the energy sector. His remarks underscored the urgent need for global collaboration and innovation as the industry grapples with evolving energy demands and environmental responsibilities. As Khowaiter articulated, AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a catalyst for redefining how energy is produced and consumed, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in a rapidly changing world.
Economic Landscape and AI’s Role
Khowaiter began by acknowledging the significant shifts in the global economic landscape over the past year. He noted the formation of new supply chains, moderating inflation rates, and the continued robust growth projections despite existing tariffs. The backdrop of these economic changes is an evolving global energy mix, characterized by increasing demand, particularly from emerging economies. The connection between this economic environment and the acceleration of AI technologies is clear. As industries prioritize growth and efficiency, AI emerges as a foundational element in achieving these objectives.
The energy industry, in particular, stands at a crossroads where AI can enhance operational efficiencies while addressing the growing demand for sustainable practices. With an anticipated rise in global energy consumption, AI technologies are poised to revolutionize energy production, making it more efficient, sustainable, and affordable. Khowaiter emphasized that AI’s capabilities extend far beyond simple applications; it is integral to shaping the future of energy management and usage.
AI and Energy Demand
Khowaiter brought attention to the staggering energy consumption of data centers, which accounted for approximately 415 terawatt hours in the previous year—nearly equivalent to the total electricity consumption of France. This figure is expected to double by 2030, illustrating the pressing need for energy efficiencies. AI can play a critical role in not only managing energy demand but also in optimizing energy supply. By employing advanced analytics and predictive modeling, AI can help identify efficiencies in energy production and consumption, thus supporting more sustainable practices across the globe.
Moreover, as global energy demand continues to surge, particularly in developing regions, AI will be essential for ensuring that energy remains accessible and reliable. Khowaiter posited that AI technologies can help streamline operations, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impacts, creating a more resilient energy framework that can meet future demands.
Aramco’s Digital Strategy
Aramco's digital strategy, as outlined by Khowaiter, centers around three key pillars: infrastructure, data, and talent. The company boasts some of the most powerful supercomputers in the Middle East, which are utilized to develop and deploy AI models that drive operational excellence. With access to over 90 years of proprietary data, Aramco is uniquely positioned to harness this information for AI applications, leading to innovations such as the industry’s first industrial Large Language Model tailored for energy sector needs.
The focus on talent development is equally vital. Khowaiter explained that Aramco is committed to training its workforce—from executives to frontline employees—in AI technologies, ensuring that all personnel are equipped to leverage these advancements effectively. By identifying over 400 use cases for AI application, Aramco demonstrates its commitment to integrating AI throughout its operations, enhancing efficiency, reliability, and safety across its value chain.
Operational Excellence through AI
The implementation of AI across Aramco’s facilities has already yielded significant operational improvements. Khowaiter cited examples such as the use of robotics and drones for inspections, predictive maintenance systems that preemptively identify failures, and AI-driven planning tools that drastically reduce maintenance times. These innovations not only enhance safety but also contribute to Aramco's ongoing efforts to maintain its status as one of the lowest carbon intensity producers in the upstream hydrocarbon sector.
AI technologies are also being leveraged to manage environmental impacts effectively. For instance, advanced analytics are employed to monitor and minimize methane emissions, while drilling prediction models enhance operational safety and reduce fuel consumption. Such initiatives are critical as the industry faces increasing scrutiny regarding environmental sustainability and carbon footprints.
Future Outlook and Strategic Collaborations
Looking ahead, Khowaiter emphasized the importance of strategic collaborations and investments in technology to bolster Aramco’s leadership in the industrial AI space. The company's ongoing partnership with Pasqal Quantum Computing, which recently led to the installation of the Middle East's first quantum computer for industrial applications, exemplifies the potential for such collaborations to drive innovation and efficiency.
Additionally, Aramco's venture capital initiatives, with assets under management totaling $7.5 billion, reflect a commitment to fostering innovation. Khowaiter announced the opening of a new Aramco Ventures office in Paris, aimed at forging deeper ties with French technology firms and enhancing the collaborative spirit that characterizes the French tech ecosystem. This move signals Aramco's intent to position itself as a pivotal player in the global AI landscape, contributing to the shared goal of sustainable and inclusive technological advancement.
Conclusion
In closing, Khowaiter’s address at the summit resonated with the core values of innovation, collaboration, and shared progress. He urged stakeholders across the industry to recognize the opportunities presented by AI, particularly in addressing the challenges of energy demand and environmental sustainability. As AI continues to evolve as a defining technology for the future, the need for a prepared and collaborative approach will be paramount. Khowaiter’s insights serve as a clarion call for the industry to embrace these changes, ensuring that the benefits of AI are realized not just in terms of efficiency and cost savings but also in fostering a more equitable and sustainable energy future for all.
With AI now a cornerstone of energy strategy, the potential for growth, innovation, and sustainability is limitless. It is incumbent upon industry leaders to harness this technology wisely, ensuring that the energy sector can meet the demands of tomorrow while upholding its responsibilities to the planet and society at large.
