Abu Dhabi, 17  October 2024 – The 8^th edition of the UAE-France Energy Days, co-organized by Business France and CCI France UAE, was held from October 9-10 in partnership with ADNOC and its subsidiaries. The event featured dynamic discussions and collaboration on how artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization are enhancing operational efficiency and safety while promoting sustainability in the energy sector. The joint conference brought together industry leaders from France and the UAE to discuss the next generation of energy innovation.

This year’s edition gathered 19 pioneering French companies, each specializing in decarbonization and sustainable solutions driven by digitalization, spanning AI to 4.0 technologies, to engage with the UAE's leading energy stakeholders.

Digitalization Takes Center Stage as French Ambassador and Borouge CEO Inaugurate the forum

The event was opened by H.E. Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of the French Republic to the UAE, and Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO of BOROUGE, marking the beginning of a series of insightful discussions on the future of energy sector through digitalization in the region.

H.E. Nicolas Niemtchinow highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “The ever-growing cooperation between France and the UAE in the energy sector is key to address current needs and promote innovative solutions which lay the foundation for a sustainable future. French firms' expertise and know-how are recognized in the Middle East. The booming cooperation with UAE entities brings mutual benefits and is very promising.”

Energy Transformation in Focus: High-Level Panels Explore AI, Digital Transformation, and Net-Zero Goals

UAE-France Energy Days provide a platform for industry leaders to engage in high-level discussions and explore the latest innovations in the energy sector. The “AI & Digital Transformation in Energy” panel featured insightful presentations on AI-powered solutions for energy efficiency from key players that are at the forefront of revolutionizing the energy industry.

Technip Energies showcased how the use of machine learning and advanced AI algorithms enables real-time data analysis to reduce energy consumption in operations and significantly lower CO2 emissions. This approach directly addresses the energy trilemma: availability, sustainability, and affordability.

Other key speakers introduced comprehensive digital platforms that leverage AI to optimize energy consumption, water management, and waste reduction across facilities. They also highlighted the role of smart sensors in data transformation to minimize environmental footprints.

Additionally, the use of digital twins was emphasized as a powerful tool for simulating and predicting operational behaviors, offering valuable insights and supporting decision-making processes.

Meanwhile, the 'Net Zero & Carbon Capture' panel spotlighted pivotal tools that reduce the carbon footprint of the energy industry, highlighting the importance of carbon capture technologies. This key area aligns with ADNOC and other UAE partners’ efforts towards the “UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative”.

Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi emphasized the importance of working together for the energy transition, adding, “Advanced technologies and artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities for greater collaboration between the UAE and France, and the UAE-France Energy Days provides a platform to foster industry partnerships in these areas, particularly in the energy sector. We look forward to greater collaboration with our partners to advance new and innovative solutions that can drive sustainable economic value and  enable a lower-carbon future.”

The participation of renowned key partners such as Ipac Valsem added valuable perspectives, further underscoring their commitment to supporting the UAE's leadership in pioneering sustainable energy solutions.

Recognized French Expertise and Local Opportunities:

From sustainability to innovative technologies and the push towards clean energy, the panels of this event also featured additional industry leaders from France and the UAE such as Air Liquide, CMA CGM, Dassault Systèmes, EDF, Enova and TotalEnergies.

With the UAE's $163 billion investment in renewable energy and the strong, longstanding partnership between France and the UAE in the energy sector, significant opportunities for further collaboration are emerging. The UAE- France Energy Days serve as a key forum for industry stakeholders to come together, address pressing energy challenges, and explore new avenues for cooperation. This event not only fosters dialogue but also creates valuable business opportunities between two nations committed to shaping a cleaner and greener future, united by shared sustainability goals and ambitions for a low-carbon future.