Securing Energy Futures: The Evolving Balance Between Artificial and Human Intelligence, Izzet Almubarak, Hisham Shazali, Maysa Gidom

Izzet Almubarak
Faculty of Engineering, University of Khartoum
Sudan
Hisham Salaheldin Shazali
Institute of Environmental Studies
University of Khartoum
Sudan
Maysa Gidom
National Centre for Research (NCR)
Khartoum
Sudan

DOI: 10.47556/B.OUTLOOK2026.24.1
Received: 2026 / Revised: 2026 / Accepted: 2026 / Published: 2026

Purpose: This paper examines the evolving interplay between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human intelligence in strengthening energy security within conflict-affected regions, with particular focus on the Gulf region and Sudan. It develops a conceptual framework that positions AI as a complementary enabler—rather than a standalone solution—to enhance the resilience, reliability, and governance of critical energy systems. The study addresses risks arising from armed conflict, geopolitical instability, and supply chain disruptions, and explores how human–AI collaboration can mitigate vulnerabilities associated with infrastructure damage, operational uncertainty, and system fragility, advancing a context-sensitive approach to energy security in unstable environments.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a qualitative and analytical approach, combining comparative analysis of AI-driven capabilities and human cognitive strengths with a critical review of emerging practices in the energy sector, particularly oil and gas and power systems. It employs conceptual modeling to develop hybrid intelligence frameworks that integrate human oversight with AI-enabled decision-making. The approach further incorporates scenario-informed analysis to examine the interaction between technological and human factors under conditions of geopolitical instability and conflict-induced disruption, enabling the construction of a context-sensitive model for resilience and governance in fragile energy systems.
Findings: The analysis shows that Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances energy security through real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and operational optimization. However, it introduces risks related to cybersecurity, system opacity, and over-reliance on automation, which are intensified in conflict-affected environments by data quality and reliability constraints. Human intelligence remains essential for contextual judgment, ethical reasoning, and decision-making under uncertainty. The findings indicate that a hybrid “human-in-the-loop” model provides the most effective pathway for achieving resilient and secure energy systems in unstable contexts.
Originality/Value: This paper reframes the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human intelligence as a dynamic, complementary balance rather than a substitution paradigm. It proposes an integrated framework combining technical, strategic, and governance dimensions to enhance resilience in critical energy systems. By explicitly incorporating the geopolitical context of the Gulf region and Sudan, the study offers a context-sensitive contribution that bridges theory and practice, providing actionable insights for strengthening energy infrastructure against conflict-related and geopolitical risks.
Research Limitations/Implications: The study is primarily conceptual and based on secondary data and industry observations, which may limit empirical generalizability. Future research is encouraged to validate the proposed frameworks through case studies and quantitative analysis within specific energy sectors and geographic contexts.
Practical Implications: The paper provides actionable insights for policymakers, energy operators, and industry leaders by emphasizing the importance of governance frameworks that ensure human oversight, accountability, and ethical alignment in AI deployment. It supports the design of more resilient and secure energy infrastructures through balanced integration of advanced technologies and human expertise.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Human Intelligence, Energy Security, Gulf Region, Sudan, Armed Conflict, Oil and Gas, Critical Infrastructure, Human-in-the-Loop, Governance, Resilience
Citation: Almubarak, I., Shazali, H. S. and Gidom, M. (2026): Human-Centred Leadership in the Age of AI: Balancing Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence for Sustainable Decision-Making. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): World Sustainable Development Outlook 2026, Vol. 22, pp. xx-xx. WASD: London, United Kingdom.