- Electricity demand across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) could more than double from 1,671 TWh in 2025 to 3,670 TWh by 2050.
- The region will need greater investment in energy storage, grid modernisation, flexible generation and digital energy management to meet rising demand while maintaining grid stability.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres are reshaping electricity demand across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), increasing the need for flexible generation, energy storage, critical power infrastructure and smarter energy management.
Mark Ring, Group Director of Middle East Energy, said the region must strengthen its energy systems as electricity consumption continues to rise. He made the remarks while speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the 50th edition of Middle East Energy.
Ring said the UAE continues to strengthen its position in the global energy sector by focusing on innovation, sustainability and energy security.
More than 30,000 energy professionals attended this year’s three-day Middle East Energy exhibition, which brought together industry leaders, policymakers, investors and other key decision-makers.
Ring also announced that Middle East Energy will relocate to the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai in 2027. He said the new venue would support the event as the energy sector undergoes rapid changes.
The exhibition highlighted growing demand for renewable energy, energy efficiency, battery storage, electricity transmission, backup power and smart energy management. Rising electricity consumption is also increasing the importance of equipment such as switchgear, transformers and transmission systems.
Ring pointed to PVFarm’s Innovation Award for its pre-construction intelligence software for solar-plus-storage projects as evidence of the sector’s growing focus on efficient planning and investment.
MENA Electricity Demand to Surge
AI and data centres are emerging as major drivers of new electricity demand. Citing forecasts from Rystad, Middle East Energy’s Intelligence Partner, Ring said electricity demand across MENA could rise from 1,671 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2025 to 3,670 TWh by 2050.
The growth will also come from hydrogen production, industrial activity and transportation.
Middle East Energy reflected this shift through its Powering AI track, which focused on flexible generation, energy storage and critical power infrastructure.
Ring said the region has started moving its energy transition from setting targets to implementing projects. He cited a Global Energy & Efficiency roundtable involving 30 global companies and plans to establish a memorandum of understanding to support implementation.
He identified energy storage, grid modernisation and digitalisation as major trends shaping the region’s energy future.
Ring also highlighted the UAE’s plans to develop large-scale solar projects alongside battery storage. These projects can increase renewable electricity generation while helping the power grid maintain stability as demand grows.