WPC Energy Congress Panel Discusses Contributions of AI Technologies to Developing the Energy Sector

A panel session titled "Energy and AI as Co-Enablers," held as part of the 25th WPC Energy Congress, discussed the role of energy in enabling artificial intelligence and the interdependent relationship between the two sectors. It also examined how AI technologies contribute to improving decision-making and operations and increasing efficiency in the energy sector. The speakers indicated that developing the energy and electricity system under Saudi Vision 2030 aims to meet demand and attract investment. This includes investment in AI data centers, which require reliable and competitively priced electricity. These efforts involve anticipating the needs of various sectors and connecting them with investors. They stressed the importance of integrating infrastructure, data, technologies, and human expertise. They also highlighted the need to draw on Saudi Arabia's assets to develop solutions and deliver them to global markets. The speakers reviewed the role of AI applications in improving the accuracy of load and demand forecasting and enabling early detection of grid faults. These applications support better planning and faster response. They also discussed using smart meter data to track consumption, forecast bills, show how consumption is distributed across appliances, and alert users to unusual usage. The speakers addressed the use of AI in oil and gas exploration and resource development, particularly in drilling operations. This involves real-time data analysis and the integration of engineering modeling with geological information. These technologies speed up decision-making, improve accuracy, shorten the time between planning and execution, enhance safety, and support risk assessment and investment decisions.

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services and the Makkah Region Development Authority signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation and integration in planning, transport, and logistics. The agreement also supports shared strategic directions and plans that contribute to achieving development objectives in the Makkah Region. The memorandum was signed by His Excellency the Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, and, on behalf of the Authority, Eng. Faris bin Ahmed Rajab, Advisor to the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and Chief Executive Officer of the Makkah Region Development Authority. The memorandum provides for supporting the parties' strategic directions and plans and coordinating the planning of road and transport projects included in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. It also covers cooperation to support and develop urban observatory indicators related to the transport and logistics sector. Areas of cooperation also include updating urban legislation and policies related to transport and logistics in the Makkah Region, participating in operational trials of advanced technologies in the sector, and aligning geospatial data activities or directly connecting geospatial databases in the Makkah Region. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services and the Makkah Region Development Authority signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation and integration in planning, transport, and logistics. The agreement also supports shared strategic directions and plans that contribute to achieving development objectives in the Makkah Region. The memorandum was signed by His Excellency the Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, and, on behalf of the Authority, Eng. Faris bin Ahmed Rajab, Advisor to the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and Chief Executive Officer of the Makkah Region Development Authority. The memorandum provides for supporting the parties' strategic directions and plans and coordinating the planning of road and transport projects included in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. It also covers cooperation to support and develop urban observatory indicators related to the transport and logistics sector. Areas of cooperation also include updating urban legislation and policies related to transport and logistics in the Makkah Region, participating in operational trials of advanced technologies in the sector, and aligning geospatial data activities or directly connecting geospatial databases in the Makkah Region.

Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser concluded his official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany to participate in InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, which brings together leaders and experts in the railway sector from around the world and showcases the latest technologies and innovative solutions shaping the future of mobility. He was accompanied by a delegation representing entities within the transport and logistics services sector. During the visit, Al-Jasser held a number of meetings with officials and leaders from the public and private sectors to discuss prospects for cooperation and partnerships in transport and logistics services. He also sponsored several agreements and partnerships to strengthen cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Germany in the railway sector.