Industrial AI and our energy future
The energy industry has lagged in adopting AI, but industrial AI could create value through predictive maintenance and optimisation
The success of energy companies is becoming more complex, with the dual challenge of supplying the world’s growing demand while achieving the planet’s need for increased sustainability. Digital technology, particularly AI, is becoming crucial to navigating this complexity and the marketplace’s volatility. 22pc of respondents in a 2020 survey from consulting firm McKinsey report at least 5pc of earnings before interest and taxes (Ebit) attributable to AI. In the manufacturing (process and discrete) sector, 15pc of the AI use cases are in the areas of energy and yield optimisation, and another 12pc in predictive maintenance. But almost every analysis shows that the energy industry is a laggard
Also in this section
27 February 2026
LNG would serve as a backup supply source as domestic gas declines and the country’s energy system comes under stress during periods of low hydropower output and high energy demand
27 February 2026
The assumption that oil markets will re-route and work around sanctions is being tested, and it is the physical infrastructure that is acting as the constraint
27 February 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress to take place in tandem as part of a coordinated week of high-level ministerial, institutional and industry engagements
27 February 2026
The deepwater sector must be brave by fast-tracking projects and making progress to seize huge offshore opportunities and not become bogged down by capacity constraints and consolidation






