The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2024 opened today in Abu Dhabi, marking its 40th anniversary as a premier global energy forum. The four-day event, themed “Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy,” is expected to draw over 184,000 visitors and feature more than 2,200 exhibiting companies, including 54 national and international energy companies.
India’s Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, inaugurated the Indian Pavilion and participated in the Global Leaders and Energy Transition Ministerial Panel. In his address, Puri emphasized India’s progress in energy transformation, highlighting the country’s implementation of artificial intelligence in refinery automation and seismic surveys, along with advances in biofuel production and green hydrogen initiatives.
“As a student of history, it’s all about continuity and change,” Puri reflected on ADIPEC’s 40th anniversary. “The global energy situation was very different from the situation today, and it’s likely to be very different a thousand years from now.” He highlighted India’s current energy landscape, serving 1.4 billion people with 67 million daily visits to retail outlets for various fuel needs, from petrol and diesel to battery swapping.
Discussing India’s energy future, Puri noted, “We see the energy situation moving mainstream now. We will continue to fast develop our biofuels, with blending nearing 20% by next year. Our compressed biogas is moving very fast, and we’re stepping on the accelerator for green hydrogen, which will require clean, low-cost solar energy.”
“India is one country where the energy price has actually decreased in the last two to three years,” Puri noted, addressing what he termed the ‘trilemma’ of availability, affordability, and sustainability. He stressed the importance of maintaining traditional energy sources while accelerating the transition to cleaner alternatives, particularly for developing nations.
Puri emphasized the need for a balanced approach to energy transition, stating, “In order to make the transition, we have to survive the present and accelerate the transition. When you get global shocks, the transition also becomes faster.” He projected that affordable traditional fuels would remain necessary for at least two decades, particularly for developing nations still working toward clean cooking gas adoption.
A significant addition to this year’s conference is the AI Zone, Energyai by ADNOC, where industry leaders like Microsoft, Baker Hughes, and Accenture are showcasing innovations that address both AI’s energy demands and emission reduction goals. The zone features a dedicated conference, Creative AI Lab, and interactive demo stations. The conference, running through November 7, continues to serve as a crucial platform for discussing the future of energy, with particular emphasis on sustainable solutions and technological advancement in the sector.
By: Vinod Kumar (UAE)