Building resilience for the world's growing energy needs

The global energy system faced significant challenges this year due to geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising demand pressures. Despite these obstacles, energy markets have continued to provide the necessary fuel, power, and products that drive economic growth. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline connecting Habshan and Fujairah has played a crucial role in maintaining crude exports even when traditional shipping routes are disrupted.

This pipeline, built in 2012 with a capacity of up to 1.8 million barrels per day, exemplifies the long-term planning and infrastructure investments that are crucial for energy security.

UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei, expressed optimism about the UAE's energy output, stating that "the UAE is on track to deliver an even higher energy output than before." He attributed this resilience to the long-term planning and investments made beforehand. Despite global energy security being a major economic concern, the sector has adapted better than expected, with nearly two-thirds of senior industry leaders reporting performance exceeding expectations.

In fact, 77 per cent of the 1,800 respondents remain optimistic about the energy sector's prospects in the coming decade.

The world's growing energy needs are set to be a major focus at the Adipec Strategic Conference, where over 1,800 speakers will discuss decisions, partnerships, and capital required to expand energy supply, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and strengthen long-term system performance. Projections by the International Monetary Fund predict global GDP growth of 3.1 per cent this year, with energy demand expected to increase at a faster rate than in the previous decade.

Emerging economies, which now drive over 80 per cent of energy demand growth, will require even more energy as they expand, posing further challenges for energy security.