ADIPEC 2025 is shaping the future of energy and artificial intelligence (AI) with its Technical Conferences receiving a record-breaking 7,086 paper submissions from global experts. This unprecedented figure not only signals the scale of participation but also reflects the accelerating integration of digital technologies and AI into the energy value chain, as the industry seeks solutions that are both sustainable and commercially viable.
Organised across two flagship programmes – the Technical Conference led by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the Downstream Technical Conference organised by dmg events – these forums are a critical knowledge-sharing platform within ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy event scheduled from 3–6 November 2025 in Abu Dhabi. This year’s submissions demonstrate the industry’s pivot from theoretical discussions to practical deployment, with nearly 20% of papers focused on AI and digital technology and close to 60% of those exploring real-world applications. This marks a 26% increase in AI-related submissions over 2024, confirming that AI is no longer a supporting tool but a transformative force in global energy systems.
Record Participation Across the Global Energy Community
The scale of engagement this year is unprecedented. The SPE-led Technical Conference attracted 6,286 submissions, up 5% from last year, while the Downstream Technical Conference welcomed 782 submissions, a sharp 19.2% rise. Together, these reflect a 7% year-on-year increase, reinforcing ADIPEC’s role as the leading global platform for engineering excellence, applied research, and practical innovation.
Participation was also geographically diverse, with submissions from 1,100 companies across 93 countries, surpassing last year’s record. The Middle East accounted for 48% of submissions, while the Asia-Pacific region followed with 25%. Notably, Africa saw a remarkable 300% surge, underscoring the region’s growing importance in the energy transformation dialogue. This global representation highlights the urgency with which nations and companies are aligning innovation efforts to ensure energy security while advancing decarbonisation goals.
AI Leading the Innovation Agenda
A closer look at the AI-driven submissions reveals a sector that is increasingly prioritising deployment-ready solutions. The top sub-themes within AI included: Future of AI & Digital Transformation (13%), Downstream Digital Transformation and Advanced Manufacturing (10%), Internet of Things (10%), Digital Twins (10%), and Production Enhancement (9%). These trends reveal how energy operators and technology developers are converging on practical areas where AI can deliver measurable impact – from optimising production systems to enhancing safety, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency.
Beyond AI, the next most significant areas of focus were Operational Excellence (16%), Drilling and Completions (14%), and Low Carbon & Sustainability (12%). This mix of topics reflects the sector’s dual priorities: maintaining reliability and cost efficiency in operations, while driving decarbonisation and long-term energy transition goals. Together, these submissions indicate how the energy industry is working on building integrated solutions that balance performance, sustainability, and profitability.
From Dialogue to Delivery
Commenting on this milestone, Haitham Al Jenaibi, SVP Gas and Growth in Upstream at ADNOC and ADIPEC 2025 Technical Conference Programme Chair, noted:
“As global energy systems evolve at a pace, so too does the urgency to advance intelligent solutions that deliver real-world impact. This year’s record submissions reaffirm the conference’s position as the world’s leading platform for engineering excellence, cross-sector innovation, and practical applications of AI across the energy value chain. Together, let us harness this momentum to solve complex challenges, accelerate system-wide transformation, and unlock energy’s full potential to drive progress.”
Echoing this perspective, Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, underlined the significance of ADIPEC 2025 in shaping the global energy agenda: “The world is entering a defining decade that is being shaped by energy and AI. ADIPEC’s focus on breakthrough technologies that enable sustainable systems, lower carbon intensity, and advance economic prosperity makes its Technical Conference a critical forum where innovation is translated into measurable impact that powers global progress. This year’s record number of submissions and the shift towards the practical applications of AI highlight that ADIPEC’s agenda is not just following industry trends – we’re setting the pace for the entire energy value chain’s transformation.”
Shaping the Future of Energy
The Technical Conferences at ADIPEC have long been a benchmark for knowledge exchange in the energy industry, and the 2025 edition promises to build on this legacy. With over 1,100 pioneers participating in nearly 200 sessions, this year’s discussions will bring forward diverse insights and innovations – from drilling and exploration breakthroughs to the adoption of smart manufacturing and digital twins.
What makes ADIPEC 2025 significant is the convergence of AI and energy at scale, moving beyond pilots and proof-of-concepts into actionable deployment. With AI submissions increasingly targeting production optimisation, safety improvements, and carbon reduction, the conference demonstrates how technology is being harnessed not only to meet today’s energy needs but also to shape a resilient, low-carbon future.
As the world prepares for a decade defined by the dual challenge of ensuring energy security while reducing carbon intensity, ADIPEC 2025’s Technical Conferences stand out as a platform where ideas are tested, innovations are shared, and solutions are accelerated. With record submissions, global participation, and a sharp focus on practical AI, this year’s edition will play a defining role in guiding the transformation of the energy ecosystem.
