Imagine a world where the urgent call to ditch fossil fuels is suddenly being dialed back, replaced by a harmonious blend of old and new energy sources. It's a seismic shift that's got fossil fuel giants grinning—and climate advocates scratching their heads. But here's the kicker: is this 'energy addition' approach a pragmatic lifeline for our growing energy needs, or just a clever way to keep the oil flowing indefinitely? Let's dive into the buzz at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), where industry titans are flipping the script on how we power the future. And trust me, this is the part most people miss—it might just redefine what 'sustainable' really means.
Picture this scene: Attendees gazing at a model of the UAE's colossal data center in Abu Dhabi, part of the groundbreaking Stargate project—a collaboration between G42, Microsoft, and OpenAI—amidst the hubbub of ADIPEC on November 3, 2025. It's not just a tech marvel; it's a symbol of our insatiable hunger for energy in the AI era.
Fossil fuel executives are enthusiastically embracing what they see as a refreshing twist in the ongoing energy dialogue. At ADIPEC, OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais chatted with CNBC's Dan Murphy, highlighting a notable evolution in how leaders and decision-makers discuss tackling the world's escalating energy requirements.
'Just three years back, the chatter was all about phasing out fossil fuels, tackling climate change, and embracing the energy transition at all costs,' Al Ghais explained. 'Nowadays, the discussion leans toward a more balanced strategy. It's a tone shift that feels like sweet music to my ears—it's exactly what OPEC has been pushing for over the past few years.'
His viewpoint resonated with numerous participants at the UAE's premier oil gathering, where the idea of 'energy addition' gained traction. This concept advocates for bolstering our energy mix by developing cutting-edge technologies, such as solar and wind power, while keeping fossil fuels in the lineup to meet surging demands from emerging fields like artificial intelligence.
To clarify for newcomers: Energy addition isn't about swapping one fuel for another, as the traditional energy transition suggests. Instead, it's about layering on new, cleaner options alongside the existing ones, ensuring we don't leave anyone—or any sector—in the dark. Think of it like upgrading your kitchen appliances without throwing out the old reliable stove; you're adding efficiency and sustainability without a full overhaul.
Yet, this optimistic narrative clashes head-on with warnings from climate experts. Scientists have been sounding the alarm that slashing fossil fuel consumption is vital to combat global warming, pinpointing the combustion of coal, oil, and gas as the primary culprit behind the climate emergency. For instance, reports from the IPCC emphasize that without dramatic cuts, we're on track for dangerous temperature spikes that could disrupt ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide.
Despite these cautions, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan al-Jaber, who also heads ADNOC and played a leading role in COP28 negotiations, painted a vivid picture of our energy future during ADIPEC's opening. He noted that electricity needs will skyrocket through 2040, with data center power demands quadrupling and about 1.5 billion people migrating from countryside to urban centers, craving more reliable energy access.
'Renewable technologies are set to expand dramatically—more than doubling by 2040—and liquified natural gas (LNG) could see a 50% uptick, while oil production remains steady above 100 million barrels daily,' al-Jaber stated. 'This paints a picture that's way more nuanced than a straightforward switch to renewables. We're not replacing; we're reinforcing. In essence, energy addition is the real game-changer here.'
Mike Sommers, head of the American Petroleum Institute (API), a powerful industry advocate group, echoed this pragmatic optimism. He described the talks as a 'grounded dialogue' on powering the AI revolution.
'We're moving past the old energy transition mindset,' Sommers told CNBC. 'It's clear we'll need vastly more energy moving forward. Our research, along with independent experts, confirms this—driven by AI, data centers, but also everyday increases like more air conditioning and gadgets plugged in. AI has just underscored what we've known all along.'
Energy expert and S&P Global vice chairman Dan Yergin chimed in, predicting a major upswing in demand as U.S. tech behemoths accelerate AI deployments.
When asked if he saw eye-to-eye with Sommers on this narrative pivot, Yergin replied, 'Absolutely. A significant rethinking is underway. Tech firms, who once ignored energy costs, are now front and center with them. Projections show that roughly half of U.S. GDP growth stems from hyperscaler investments in data centers alone.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this 'big rethink' a necessary evolution, or a risky gamble that prioritizes short-term profits over long-term planetary health? Ed Crooks, vice chair Americas at Wood Mackenzie, weighed in on ADIPEC's discussions, agreeing that the energy transition remains a hot topic but with a twist.
'The term 'transition' meant different things to different folks,' Crooks explained to CNBC. 'If it implies hitting net zero by 2050 and capping warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, that's probably off the table—it was always a stretch. But if it means booming renewables, a shift to electric vehicles, and steering toward a less carbon-intensive system overall, then yes, that aspect is very much alive.'
Take electric vehicles, for example—they're not just cars; they're part of a larger puzzle in reducing emissions from transportation, which accounts for a big chunk of global greenhouse gases. Norway's success with EVs, where incentives have led to widespread adoption, shows how policy can accelerate such shifts.
In wrapping up, it's fascinating to see how 'energy addition' is being hailed as the balanced path forward, blending fossil fuels with renewables to meet exploding demands. But is this truly sustainable, or does it risk delaying the tough choices needed to avert climate catastrophe? What do you think—does 'addition' sound like progress, or just a polite way to keep the status quo? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have another angle on this debate! After all, the future of energy isn't just about facts—it's about the choices we make together.
— CNBC's Emilia Hardie contributed to this report.
