Rapid growth in artificial intelligence and data centers is increasing demand for flexible power generation, energy storage, critical infrastructure and smarter energy management across the Middle East and North Africa, according to Mark Ring, Group Director of Middle East Energy.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the 50th edition of Middle East Energy, Ring said electricity demand across MENA is expected to rise from 1,671 terawatt-hours in 2025 to 3,670 terawatt-hours by 2050, citing forecasts from Rystad, the event’s intelligence partner. Data centers, hydrogen, industry and transport are expected to contribute to the increase.
The shift was reflected in the exhibition’s Powering AI track, which focused on flexible generation, storage and critical power infrastructure. Ring also highlighted growing interest in grid modernization and digitalization, alongside large-scale solar projects paired with battery storage in the UAE.
More than 30,000 energy professionals attended this year’s three-day event. Middle East Energy will move to the Dubai Exhibition Center at Expo City Dubai in 2027, according to Ring.
The exhibition also featured PVFarm, which won an Innovation Award for software designed to support pre-construction planning for solar-plus-storage projects.
Source: Fast Company
