Artificial intelligence raises the need for annual energy investments to $4 trillion

Majeed Hamid Jaafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum and Managing Director of Dana Gas, stressed that the rapid growth in global energy demand has placed energy security at the top of the priorities of global economic competitiveness and geopolitical influence, in his speech to business leaders and policy makers participating in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

In a session entitled “Who Leads Energy Security?”, Jaafar spoke about the growing levels of demand for energy at an accelerating pace that is radically reshaping energy systems, pointing to the need for annual capital investments worth $4 trillion in developing networks, data centers, and all energy resources.

In this context, Jaafar highlighted the growing role played by the Middle East, especially the UAE, in strengthening global energy systems, driven by its ability to intensify investments in energy amid the accelerating global demand for energy to operate the artificial intelligence sector, data centers and electrification. He pointed out that regional natural gas production is expected to rise by about 30% by the end of the decade, and will require investments estimated at about $200 billion.

Jaafar said: “Energy security today depends on the presence of global systems capable of absorbing shocks, expanding in line with demand, and bearing costs in the long term. Countries that have continuous supplies and modernize their networks quickly and on a large scale will be the ones that lead the paths of progress in the coming stages. With forward-looking leadership, rational policies, and the availability of capital and supplies, the UAE has demonstrated its leadership in enhancing global energy resilience, and it has the capabilities and capabilities that make it The strongest and most capable of meeting the increasing demand for energy to operate artificial intelligence in the future.
The session brought together leaders from the energy sector and policymakers, to examine how different regions are responding to increasing pressures on energy systems and infrastructure.

In addition to Jaafar, the session’s panel of speakers included BHP CEO Mike Henry, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, AES CEO Andris Gloski, and Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University Megan O’Sullivan. The session was moderated by Honorary Fellow of Chatham House, Sir Robin Niblett.

The agenda of today’s meetings included a panel discussion entitled “The New Energy Agenda: Ease of Access, Flexibility and Artificial Intelligence” at the Energy Leaders Breakfast in Davos, hosted by Jaafar and Musabah Al Kaabi, CEO of ADNOC’s Exploration, Development and Production Department, which brought together senior sector leaders to discuss how energy systems can evolve to meet growing global demand and support economic and technological progress.

The participants unanimously agreed that the demand for electricity to meet the needs of artificial intelligence has become a crucial measure of energy security, linking economic competitiveness, infrastructure flexibility and long-term investment decisions, in light of the increasing pressures facing energy systems and infrastructure globally.

Jaafar said: “Expansion plans in the Middle East enhance the region’s ability to build flexible, reliable and affordable energy systems. It is expected that the sharp acceleration in demand for electricity to power the field of artificial intelligence and data centers will lead to the generation of electricity to meet the needs of data centers globally exceeding 1,000 terawatt-hours by 2030. To succeed, global leaders and the private sector must adopt practical and comprehensive energy strategies based on the integration of different energy resources, ensuring stability and reliability of supplies, supporting emissions reductions, and achieving long-term growth. term.”

The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting will be held from 19 to 23 January 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, with the participation of leaders from government, business, civil society and academia, to set priorities and discuss global challenges. This year’s meeting bears the slogan “The Spirit of Dialogue”, in a call to take decisive steps with the cooperation of all parties and stakeholders to be able to effectively address the challenges in light of the current geopolitical and economic environment.