Autonomous Operations Becoming a Critical Priority in the Energy and Chemical Sector

Global energy technology leader Schneider Electric has released new research showing that autonomous operations will become a critical priority in the energy and chemical sectors in the coming years. According to a study conducted with 400 senior executives across 12 countries, one-third of executives view the development of autonomy as a "critical" priority within the next five years; this rate rises to 44% over a ten-year perspective.

Risks Rise If Autonomy Is Not Adopted
Leaders participating in the research warn that delayed adoption of autonomous technologies could increase operating costs (59%), deepen skills gaps (52%) and weaken competitive strength (48%). However, high initial investment costs, legacy systems, organizational resistance, cybersecurity concerns and regulatory uncertainty emerge as key barriers to the adoption process.

Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization Accelerate Autonomous Operations
Schneider Electric's Global Autonomous Maturity Report reveals that the sector is at a critical transformation stage at the intersection of electrification, automation and digitalization. Increased artificial intelligence-driven demand triggered by hyperscale cloud and data center growth is creating unprecedented pressure on energy systems. Electricity demand is expected to nearly double by 2030, reaching 1,000 TWh levels; this increases the need for flexible and resilient operations.

Forty-nine percent of executives identify artificial intelligence as the greatest enabler ahead of autonomous operations. This is followed by advances in cybersecurity, cloud and edge computing, digital twins and advanced process control technologies.

Strategic Statements from Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric Vice Chairman of the Executive Board Gwenaelle Avice Huet stated, "Organizations globally are already operating at 70% autonomy levels and plan to increase this to 80% by 2030. Autonomous operations are not about taking people out of the equation; they enable people to focus on higher-value work, strengthen safety and develop their capabilities."

In the same vein, independent energy market analyst Gaurav Sharma said, "Autonomy is effectively leading the next phase of energy innovation. Operators are relying on these technologies to do more with less and run resilient, competitive operations."

Regional Differences and Highlighted Applications
The report reveals regional differences in autonomous maturity levels. Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Asia are leading, while North America is expected to see the fastest adoption over the next five years. Europe is showing steady but slower progress.

Practical applications are exemplified by Shell Scotford Refinery in Canada and European Energy's Kassø Power-to-X facility in Denmark. Schneider Electric is implementing open and software-defined automation systems at these facilities that enable artificial intelligence-powered, self-optimizing operations.

Research Scope and Methodology
The study was conducted in collaboration with Censuswide and Development Economics and covers the perspectives of 400 senior energy executives across 12 countries from North America, Europe, Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council. It was also supported by desk analysis and interviews with industry stakeholders.

The report, within the framework of the Autonomous Operations Maturity Model (AOMM) developed by ARC Advisory Group, sets the current global average maturity level at 3.52 out of 5 (approximately 70% autonomy). The 2030 target is set at level 4.02 (approximately 80% autonomy).

Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader that enables industries, businesses and living spaces to work more efficiently and sustainably through electrification, automation and digitalization. With 160,000 employees and 1 million business partners operating in more than 100 countries, the company offers a broad portfolio ranging from smart devices to artificial intelligence-powered systems.