Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly emerging as a catalyst for global energy efficiency and transformation. Plus, the UAE is at the centre of this new wave of innovation. The US Secretary of the Interior, Douglas Burgum, highlighted at the Abu Dhabi Global AI Summit how AI could dramatically enhance energy efficiency, optimise power distribution, and unlock cleaner, more accessible electricity systems worldwide.
AI and the Future of Global Power Grids
Burgum highlighted that the world has reached a historic point of reached a historic “point of convergence between energy abundance and artificial intelligence for global energy efficiency. Moreover, he said, “The electrical grid around the globe is generally quite inefficient, and we can use AI to get big increases in the efficiency and reliability of the grid”.
According to Burgum, AI-driven solutions can perform the following tasks:
- Reduce grid losses
- Enhance reliability and management
- Accelerate renewable energy deployment
- Deliver cleaner electricity to underserved regions
The UAE is already a leader in the smart grid, solar energy, and AI policy. Moreover, it is positioned to benefit significantly from this technological shift.
AI Factories: The Next Industrial Revolution
Burgum highlighted the unprecedented investments behind the AI boom. He highlighted that big AI companies, including Microsoft, are developing what he called AI factories. However, they are powerful data and computing centres that will underpin future industries.
The estimated capital expenditure of Microsoft of $84 for the AI infrastructure the next year shows the scale of the global transformation underway. Burgum said, “We are in an AI arms race… You have got to create these AI factories.” These centres are going to fuel applications in the following sectors:
- Healthcare and medical research
- Smart mobility and autonomous tech
- Education and skill development
- Financial systems and cybersecurity
- Clean energy forecasting and optimisation
Cutting Red Tape to Innovate Faster for global energy efficiency
Burgum emphasised that regulatory bottlenecks threaten to slow down growth, especially in energy infrastructure and data-centre development. He said, “It takes a lot of time to get a permit in most nations… We have got to shorten the permitting time.”
He further said that the US government is accepting state-level strategies to boost national innovation. However, low taxes, supportive regulation, and fast-track approvals are the part of those strategies. This reflects the UAE energy and digital transformation policies, which focus on rapid deployment and global collaboration.
Energy Diplomacy and AI-Powered Growth
The Secretary also tied AI innovation to global energy security and diplomacy. He said, “We want to have enough energy for our allies, so they don’t have to purchase from their adversaries”. Moreover, he advocates increasing energy production from all sources — renewables, traditional fuels, and advanced technologies. In addition, he noted that energy abundance will give the following perks:
- Lower capital costs
- Strengthen global partnerships
- Fuel AI development worldwide
This aligns with the vision of the UAE for energy leadership and international cooperation across the Middle East and beyond.
Expert Analysis
The discussion at the summit underscores a clear global trend that AI is set to become a core engine of the clean-energy transitions. Moreover, big economies and tech giants are investing heavily in AI solutions.
In addition, nations with forward-thinking digital and sustainability strategies, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are going to play an important role in changing the future of intelligent energy networks.
Final Words
AI is becoming a key driver of global energy stability and sustainability. As Burgum and Microsoft’s leadership noted, those who use AI effectively are going to have the power to innovate faster. In addition, they can enable clean energy access and build resilient economies.
The nation stands ready to lead this new era of energy-tech convergence, as the UAE is boosting its AI deployment across renewable energy, smart cities, and government services
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