AI in energy: How can new technology strengthen the resilience of energy systems? | From ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi

The first ADIPEC special examined how conflict in the Middle East has put energy security under pressure, and how the industry is responding. This second episode looks at the role of innovation: can new technologies help energy systems withstand disruption? It is an increasingly urgent question, as new threats emerge to supply chains, energy installations and networks.To discuss that issue, host Ed Crooks is joined by four energy executives working on different aspects of innovation in energy. Per Erik Holsten is President of ABB Energy Industries. Chris Rezendes is the Chief Business Officer of Context Labs. Jim Masso is the President and CEO of Process Automation at Honeywell Technologies. And Bruno Melles is the Executive Vice President and CEO of Hitachi Energy’s Transformers business.Per Erik argues that resilience, affordability and sustainability must be pursued together, and one way to do that is to get more output from existing energy assets. He talks about the optimization technologies that can achieve that, and the role of AI. Processes can become increasingly autonomous, he says, but progress will be slower in safety-critical applications. The model must be “people in charge of AI rather than AI in charge of people.”Chris makes the case that AI depends on trustworthy data: energy companies need to establish the provenance and consistency of operational information before relying on model outputs. He also explains how credible, asset-level emissions data can inform investment and commercial decisions. One key example for Context Labs is emissions data. It recently acquired a carbon tracking software platform called Kinertic.Jim says industrial AI can help operators assess complex situations and make better decisions, but critical processes need clear guardrails. He says there are significant cost savings that can be made. Honeywell’s work at the Dangote refinery in Nigeria, for example, is targeting savings of more than 29 cents per barrel, which means a material difference in a business that generally operates on tight margins. Bruno describes how data centers, electrification and renewables are driving demand for transformers, putting strain on supply chains. Hitachi Energy is expanding capacity, but customers still cannot expect equipment at short notice. The best way to secure essential equipment, he says, is to plan for future demand through long-term partnerships. Even if AI demand moderates, broader electrification trends will keep power