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
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
1 December 2025
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation






