On emissions, 2025 survey data underscores that senior leaders remain confident in AIs long-term environmental benefits, even as the pace of progress might be tempered by the realities of implementation at scale. Notably, AI is now being deployed in critical areas such as methane detection and carbon capturetwo cost-effective and scalable levers for decarbonization. Methane, while less abundant than CO, is much more potent as a greenhouse gas over a 100-year period, making rapid detection and mitigation a top priority for the sector. AI-powered systems enable real-time monitoring and swift response to leaks, helping organizations like ADNOC and its partners prevent emissions, optimize energy use, and monitor carbon storage with enhanced accuracy. At the same time, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCS/CCUS) is increasingly recognized as essential for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as cement, steel, and chemical industries where direct emissions reductions are challenging. Here, AI is accelerating progress by optimizing capture processes, improving site selection, and enhancing monitoring and verification. ADNOC and partners are deploying machine learning to prevent leaks, AI can be a powerful driver for an equitable energy transition in Africa. By optimizing renewable energy generation and grid management, it will help countries leapfrog directly to cleaner, more efficient systems, reducing waste and reliance on fossil fuels. This must be done alongside investment in people and infrastructure prioritizing digital skills, expanding broadband and reliable power grids, and building the data centers required to run these systems. The ambition and intent is in place; we must now focus on building the partnerships required to deliver the promise of energy for AI. Carlos Lopes Professor at Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town As we enter the intelligence age, we see a future where AI and energy systems evolve together. AI will become more efficient through advances in training and greater use of clean power. In return, it can help transform the way energy is produced, distributed and consumed. From optimising grids to scientific breakthroughs, AI can help advance the shift to reliable, affordable renewable energy - unlocking the full potential of AI to benefit everyone. Success requires deep collaboration between technology companies, the energy industry and governments. At OpenAI, were committed to making intelligence work for people and for the planet. If we align energy and AI with care and ambition, abundant intelligence can drive a cleaner, and more equitable future. Nate Harbacek VP of Global Business, OpenAI optimize energy use, and monitor carbon storage, proving how digital tools can accelerate decarbonization. While these solutions are not yet deployed at full scale globally, the momentum is clear: digital tools are already delivering measurable results, and the challenge now is to extend these benefits rapidly and equitably across the sector. The focus is shifting from questioning AIs value to scaling its impactdemonstrating that AI is not just a promise for the future, but a practical driver of emissions reduction today. The talent gap identified in 2024 persists with 39% of respondents from this years survey citing it as a major barrier to AI adoption along with an urgent need to upskill energy professionals. Institutions like MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI) are producing hybrid expertise in AI and energy, but the workforce gap remains wide. Without rapid investment in skills, both AI adoption and energy transition goals risk delay. Emerging economies, meanwhile, are beginning to benefit from AI- enabled solutions for distributed systems and grid planning. Ensuring equitable access to technology, capital, and talent is essential to avoid a new digital divide. 13 Powering Possible 2025 12