OPINION: Industrial AI is a game-changer in fast-tracking digital transformation in the energy sector

“The energy sector boasts an abundance of efficiency, resilience and decarbonisation tools and technologies, and is at its most advanced tech readiness stage ever. However, at only Level 1-2 on the ARC autonomous systems maturity scale, it lags other industries that have achieved full autonomy," says Fouda. “It should comfortably be on level 3 and is missing a major opportunity when it comes to fully integrating advanced technologies. The reality-opportunity gap has never been wider, so we need to urgently and collectively tackle the barriers to AI adoption to make continual improvements on operational efficiencies.”

Many obstacles, such as high up-front costs, coupled with the complexity of integrating AI solutions into legacy systems, as well as organisational resistance and skill shortages, impede progress in implementing Industrial AI in the energy sector. Fouda emphasises the importance of addressing these barriers through strategic actions such as small-scale pilot projects, collaboration with technology providers, advocacy for regulatory changes, and workforce training.

Schneider’s new 10 500 ft² state-of-the-art facility, strategically located in Houston’s energy corridor, will showcase AI-driven solutions and serve as a Training Centre to equip the next-generation workforce with the knowledge and technology required to meet the demands of the future. An interactive Control Room will demonstrate Schneider’s key solutions in real-world plant simulations across various scenarios, including a refinery, combined cycle power plant, ethylene plant, recovery boiler, and chemical reactor, among others.

“At Schneider, we believe in infused AI where AI is prevalent in all aspects of design and build, and where open source automation is central to operations to integrate power and processes and enhance efficiencies. We must start designing for autonomous processes within the energy sector now, as the first step, to develop and implement solutions that fulfil the promise of Industrial AI in driving business resilience, agility and competitiveness.

Real-world case studies highlight AI-driven improvements, with early adopters witnessing improvements in efficiency, cost savings and decision-making processes. For instance, at Schneider Electric's Navarra plant in Spain, AI algorithms in software and control panels optimized energy usage, achieving a 4.6% reduction in energy consumption of the high-pressure pump and increasing production capacity of the rack by 16 m³/hr. Additionally, predictive analytics in wind turbine maintenance led to a 20% increase in energy production efficiency. These examples demonstrate how AI can transform manufacturing processes and improve efficiency in the energy sector.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/special-reports/29052025/opinion-industrial-ai-is-a-game-changer-in-fast-tracking-digital-transformation-in-the-energy-sector/