ADIPEC 2026 Technical Conference to highlight AI’s growing role

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as one of the defining forces shaping the future of the global energy sector, with submissions to the ADIPEC 2026 Technical Conferences revealing a significant increase in industry-led research focused on improving efficiency, strengthening operational resilience and enhancing energy security

Across both the SPE Technical Conference and the Downstream Technical Conference organised by dmg events, submissions highlight how the global technical community is increasingly deploying digital technologies to advance operations.

The strongest signal came from the SPE Technical Conference, where AI & Digital Transformation became the largest category, attracting 1,296 submissions, up 11.6% year on year. The trend was equally evident in the Downstream Technical Conference, which recorded its highest-ever submission intake with 977 papers, a 24.9% increase on 2025. Digital Transformation & Advanced Manufacturing was the fastest-growing category, rising 58.6% to 211 submissions and becoming the largest theme in the programme.

The growth reflects AI’s rapid transition from pilot projects to large-scale deployment across the energy value chain, supporting predictive maintenance, asset optimization, operational automation, emissions management and real-time decision-making.

Addressing the trends emerging from this year’s submissions, Haitham Al Jenaibi, EVP Development & Production (Gas), ADNOC Upstream and ADIPEC 2026 Technical Conference Chairman, said, “The prominence of AI across this year’s submissions highlights a broader shift in how the energy industry is approaching innovation. Organisations are increasingly deploying intelligent technologies to improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and support energy security. The research being presented at ADIPEC 2026 demonstrates a shared commitment across the industry to developing practical solutions that can help meet growing energy demand while creating long-term value. Real progress, however, will come from combining digital innovation with deep engineering expertise, strong governance and human insight.”

Earlier this year, the ADIPEC 2026 Technical Conferences announced a record of more than 7,200 paper submissions from energy professionals and researchers worldwide. More than 320 Technical Conference Subcommittee members from across the global energy industry then conducted a rigorous review process, helping to develop a high-quality programme that reflects the sector's latest innovations and technical priorities.

ADIPEC 2026 will take place in Abu Dhabi from 2–5 November 2026, bringing together more than 239,000 attendees, 1,800 speakers, 16,500 delegates and 2,250 exhibiting companies to advance the partnerships, technologies and solutions needed to support long-term energy security and economic growth.

Click here to register as an ADIPEC 2026 delegate or visitor.