Disclaimer: The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters. To work with Reuters Plus, contact us here.
The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters.
Produced by Reuters Plus for
AI's energy appetite
The tech sector faces a significant challenge: How does AI power innovation while ensuring a greener future?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform our lives both at home and work, but there is no doubt it is a power-hungry technology. The International Energy Agency has predicted that the data centers that underpin AI services could use as much electricity by 2026 as the entire Japanese economy.
That presents a big challenge for a tech industry that is also grappling with the need to meet international climate change goals, but the problem may contain its own solution. Companies such as e& are finding that AI can itself be a tool for optimizing and reducing energy use. This opens up the prospect of a future in which the technology is a catalyst for sustainability, rather than a contributor to ever more emissions.
Technological transformation
Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO, e&
“AI has the potential to contribute to a better world”, says Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO, e&, who notes another prediction by Google and Boston Consulting Group, that AI could help to mitigate 5-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, the equivalent of all emissions from the EU.
The company was set up in 1976 as Etisalat to provide telecom services in the UAE, but since 2022 has begun to transform itself into a global technology powerhouse, changing its name to e&. AI is a critical part of that evolution, with the company tapping into its potential to boost productivity, enhance efficiency, improve decision-making and drive sustainability.
Case study: Helping customers harness the benefits of AI
In July 2024, e& launched a project with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), one of the world’s largest energy companies, to build the industry’s biggest private 5G wireless network.
Once in place, the high-bandwidth connectivity across ADNOC’s onshore and offshore operations will enable the energy giant to expand the use of AI solutions at its most remote facilities, helping to reduce costs, improve efficiency, minimize emissions and enhance safety.
e& says the project should generate $1.5bn in value during its first five years of operation. “AI is redefining how we operate and serve our customers,” says Dowidar.
Since 2018, the company has seen more than 50% increase in the number of its base stations powered by renewable energy using hybrid solar solutions to combine solar power and batteries to supply its off-grid base stations, reducing the need for diesel-powered generators.
All this should help the company meet its target of net-zero emissions in its own operations by 2040 and across its entire value chain by 2050.
“Our strategic goals include reducing our total emissions in absolute terms and mitigating the remaining emissions through high-quality carbon offsetting,” says Dowidar. “AI amplifies our sustainability efforts and positions us as a pioneer in eco-conscious innovation.”
Renewables revolution
Today, e& is using AI-generated algorithms to optimize energy consumption and advanced cooling at its data centers, helping to significantly reduce its carbon emissions. Green data centers such as its SmartHub centers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah are designed to minimize their environmental impact by reducing energy and water use, using eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste.
Alongside that, e& is also looking to harness the power of clean energy. It has installed solar panels on the rooftops of its buildings and parking areas, and signed long-term power supply deals with renewable energy generating companies.
e&’s Wider Web initiative, launched in 2021 for desktop browsers and extended to mobile browsers this year, is an example of the company’s commitment to creating a digital world that is accessible to all.
Widening the web
In all, e& has deployed more than 400 AI use cases across its business to date, from predicting network outages to matching customers to the best products and services at the AI-powered EASE stores (the name stands for e& Autonomous Store Experience). Dowidar describes these next-generation stores as “a prime example of AI in action, delivering a seamless, autonomous customer experience.”
Such examples also point to how AI is about more than just corporate social responsibility. The smart rollout of the technology can also make solid business sense, creating new revenue opportunities and helping to boost a company’s bottom line over the long term.
AI has the potential to contribute to a better world
- e& Group CEO Hatem Dowidar
For Dowidar, AI has a crucial role to play in the group’s overall growth strategy, which encompasses expanding into more overseas markets, digitalizing its operations, diversifying beyond telecoms and becoming a leading environmental, social and governance (ESG) performer in its sector.
Working with others is also a key element in making the most of AI’s potential. The group’s venture capital arm, e& capital, has invested in AI-driven cleantech startups and in December e& signed a partnership deal with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to collaborate on AI training and research projects.
“Our goal is to create a positive impact on the communities, and we believe that by nurturing local talent, investing in innovative startups, and implementing locally relevant solutions we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all,” says Dowidar.
Ultimately, e& sees its sustainable approach to AI as a key differentiator as it expands into new sectors and territories.
“We're not just optimising operations; we're creating a competitive advantage,” adds Dowidar. “By investing in sustainable AI, we're building a foundation that will enable us to adapt to new technologies and market trends, future-proofing our business.
“For us, AI is more than a business tool; it's a catalyst for positive change. We're committed to ensuring we get it right by doing it ethically and responsibly.”
Mission critical
e&’s technology journey
Technology has been at the heart of e&’s operations for years, helping to improve efficiency and enhance its services.
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“Early on, we recognized the future of technology hinges on intelligent, data-driven solutions that prioritize ethics, inclusivity and security,” says Dowidar.
In 2016 it set up an Advanced Analytics Team, tasked with harnessing analytics for data-driven business insights and later for operational enhancements and predictive modelling. The following year, the company set up a Robotics Centre of Excellence to improve operational efficiency and productivity and reduce costs.
This year, in a clear sign of the growing importance of artificial intelligence, e& has created a Group AI and Data Department to ensure AI initiatives and governance are embedded across the business.
The free-to-use service aims to tailor the web experience to the needs of individuals with autism and, in the process, help to reduce digital inequalities.
“AI has the potential to revolutionize this space,” says Dowidar. “We envision a future where AI can analyze user behaviors and preferences in real-time, offering more personalized and inclusive digital experiences. This could involve advanced features like intelligent content adaptation, predictive assistance and emotional AI to understand and respond to users more effectively.”
Disclaimer: The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters. To work with Reuters Plus, contact us here.
For Dowidar, AI has a crucial role to play in the group’s overall growth strategy, which encompasses expanding into more overseas markets, digitalizing its operations, diversifying beyond telecoms and becoming a leading environmental, social and governance (ESG) performer in its sector.
Working with others is also a key element in making the most of AI’s potential. The group’s venture capital arm, e& capital, has invested in AI-driven cleantech startups and in December e& signed a partnership deal with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to collaborate on AI training and research projects.
“Our goal is to create a positive impact on the communities, and we believe that by nurturing local talent, investing in innovative startups, and implementing locally relevant solutions we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all,” says Dowidar.
Ultimately, e& sees its sustainable approach to AI as a key differentiator as it expands into new sectors and territories.
“We're not just optimising operations; we're creating a competitive advantage,” adds Dowidar. “By investing in sustainable AI, we're building a foundation that will enable us to adapt to new technologies and market trends, future-proofing our business.
“For us, AI is more than a business tool; it's a catalyst for positive change. We're committed to ensuring we get it right by doing it ethically and responsibly.”
The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters.
Produced by Reuters Plus for