1 Cross-sector collaboration remains essential Energy and digital technology have historically operated in silos, and respondents from both groups feel that partnership is crucial now. Although some cross-sector forums and consortiums have formed in the past year, many described current collaboration as early-stage. There is still no standard playbook for utilities and cloud providers to co-develop AI solutions, or for regulators and AI firms to engage more proactively to help shape and support investments. One policy leader noted the dramatic shift in tone from exploration to execution and stressed that 2025 would be a make-or-break year for aligning AI ambitions with infra- structure reality. They highlighted many CEOs now see grid capacity and workforce readiness as integral to their digital strategy. This is a positive development indicating the right cross-sector conversations are happening. The clear implication is that awareness must now translate into concrete action. ADNOC, together with its co-investors and technology partners, is advancing a comprehensive program to reduce methane emissions and achieve zero routine flaring across its operations by 2030. ADNOCs efforts are part of a broader coalition of energy companies and technology partners - including G42 and Microsoft - who are investing in digital innovation to accelerate emissions reduction. These collaborations focus on deploying advanced analytics, IoT sensors, and AI-driven platforms to optimize methane management and flare reduction, as well as to support the scaling of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). Co-innovating to drive efficiency and reduce emissions Initiatives such as Microsofts investment in Twelve and commercial partnership with Alaska Airlines using E-Jet Fuel (SAF) produced from captured CO2underscore how innovation and cross-industry collaboration are central to accelerating climate progress 8 . Additional investments in low-carbon cement, including Fortera 9 , and agreements with near-zero emission steel producer Stegra 10 , further demonstrate how digital infrastructure investments can signal demand for sustainable materials and catalyze low-carbon innovation across sectors. 8 Twelve and Alaska Airlines to collaborate with Microsoft to advance sustainable aviation fuel derived from recaptured CO2 and renewable energy, Decarbonization Technology, July 2022, https://www.esgtoday.com/alaska-airlines-twelve- microsoft-collaborate-to-use-sustainable-aviation-fuel-produced-from-captured-co2/ 9 Microsoft invests in Fortera to scale low-carbon cement production, Global Construction Review, Feb 2025, https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/microsoft-invests-in-fortera-to-scale-low-carbon-cement-production/ 10 Microsoft Partners with Stegra to Accelerate Market for Near-Zero Emission Steel, ESG News, Sept 2025, https://stegra.com/news-and-stories/stegra-announces-agreement-with-microsoft 20