Energy Industry Rapidly Embracing Autonomous Operations by 2030 as AI Reshapes Performance

Global study shows sector racing towards nearly 50% full automation in the next decade, driven by pressures to manage costs, talent shortages, and energy demand

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:05am

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A new global study of 400 senior energy and chemicals executives across 12 countries reveals a sharp rise in urgency around autonomous operations, with a third of leaders viewing it as a 'critical' priority in the next five years and nearly half over a ten-year horizon. Leaders cite strong commercial pressures, warning that delaying adoption risks higher operating costs, worsening talent shortages, and declining competitiveness. The sector is already operating at 70% autonomy on average, with plans to reach 80% by 2030 as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other technologies enable the shift.

Why it matters

The energy industry is under immense pressure to boost efficiency, resilience, and sustainability as global electricity demand surges and the sector races to manage inflation and a retiring workforce. Autonomous operations are emerging as essential for meeting these challenges, allowing companies to 'do more with less' through real-time optimization, predictive maintenance, and reduced human intervention.

The details

The study found that 49% of executives identify AI as the single biggest enabler of autonomous acceleration, followed by advancements in cybersecurity, cloud/edge computing, digital twins, advanced process control, and open, software-defined automation. While GCC countries and Asia currently lead in maturity, North America is set for the fastest acceleration in adoption over the next five years, powered by its scale in energy production and consumption, and rapidly expanding data center footprint. Europe maintains steady progress but faces the slowest adoption trajectory.

  • The global average of current maturity is reported at 3.52 out of 5, between 'Advanced Regulatory' and 'Select Autonomy' levels.
  • The global average ambition for 2030 is to reach level 4.02 (High Maturity, approximately 80% autonomy).

The players

Schneider Electric

A global energy technology leader driving efficiency and sustainability through electrification, automation, and digitalization.

Gwenaelle Avice Huet

Executive Vice President at Schneider Electric.

Gaurav Sharma

Independent Energy Market Analyst and contributor to the research.

Devan Pillay

President of Schneider's Heavy Industries Segment.

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What they’re saying

“Globally, organizations already report operating at 70% autonomy, with plans to hit 80% by 2030.”

— Gwenaelle Avice Huet, Executive Vice President, Schneider Electric

“The report finds the adoption of autonomy in the sector to be more advanced than expected, with open, software-defined automation essentially leading the next phase of energy innovation.”

— Gaurav Sharma, Independent Energy Market Analyst

“Autonomous operations are redefining how energy and chemicals companies run their entire facilities, and Schneider Electric and AVEVA are at the forefront of that shift, supporting customers such as Shell, European Energy, ADNOC and Baosteel on real-world deployments.”

— Devan Pillay, President of Schneider's Heavy Industries Segment

What’s next

The research highlights that the energy industry is at a critical point of transformation, with autonomous operations rapidly becoming the new operating model. Companies that scale up their adoption of these technologies now will be well-positioned to shape the next era of industrial performance.

The takeaway

The energy industry's rapid embrace of autonomous operations, driven by pressures to boost efficiency, resilience, and sustainability, is a significant shift that will redefine how companies run their facilities. This transition is being enabled by advancements in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other digital technologies, with North America poised for the fastest acceleration in adoption.