Riyadh - Mubasher: Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco)plans to launch a new Aramco Ventures office in Paris, Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation Ahmad Al Khowaiter announced.

Al Khowaiter affirmed that the energy sector is vital for powering AI data centers, while AI solutions can enhance energy supply.

Speaking at the Adopt AI Grand Palais international summit in Paris, the official highlighted the partnership with French companies, including leading quantum computing company Pasqal.

This cooperation led to the installation of the Kingdom's first quantum computer for industrial applications at Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran.

He pointed out that data centers consumed around 415 terawatt-hours of electricity during 2024, equivalent to France's total consumption. This figure is expected to double by 2030.

As for Aramco's AI program, he said: "We operate one of the most powerful supercomputers in the Middle East and have access to over 90 years of data."

In 2024, the value generated from technology at Aramco hit $4 billion, with nearly half attributed to AI solutions.

Aramco recently signed 17 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements at an aggregated value exceeding $30 billion with major companies in the US.