Schneider Electric Research Highlights Rising Momentum Toward Autonomous Operations in the Energy and Chemicals Sector
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy technology and digital transformation, has released new research showing that the energy and chemicals industry is rapidly accelerating its transition toward autonomous operations. The findings reveal that companies across North America and other major markets are facing mounting pressures—from rising operational costs to growing energy demand and workforce shortages—that are pushing autonomy and artificial intelligence to the forefront of long-term strategy.
The study surveyed 400 senior executives from energy and chemical companies across 12 countries and provides a comprehensive view of how industry leaders are planning for the future. According to the report, a significant shift in priorities is underway. About 31.5% of executives now describe the advancement of autonomous operations as a critical priority within the next five years. Over a ten-year horizon, that number rises sharply to 44%, demonstrating that companies increasingly view automation and digital intelligence as essential components of future competitiveness.
Only a small fraction of executives—less than 5% globally—consider autonomy a low priority. This overwhelming consensus highlights the industry’s recognition that technological transformation is unavoidable as energy systems become more complex, interconnected, and data-driven.
Commercial Pressures Driving Change
Industry leaders point to a range of commercial pressures that are accelerating the adoption of autonomous technologies. A majority of executives warn that delaying investment in automation and AI could significantly increase operating costs. Approximately 59% say that failure to adopt autonomous capabilities could result in higher long-term operational expenses.
At the same time, companies are grappling with ongoing workforce challenges. About 52% of respondents say that labor shortages and the difficulty of recruiting skilled talent are driving the need for more automated operations. As experienced workers retire and new talent becomes harder to attract, autonomous systems can help maintain productivity while reducing reliance on manual intervention.
Another major concern is competitiveness. Nearly half of the executives surveyed—48%—believe that organizations that fall behind in adopting autonomous operations risk losing their competitive edge. In an industry where efficiency, reliability, and safety are critical, advanced digital technologies are increasingly becoming differentiators between market leaders and laggards.
Barriers to Implementation
Despite the strong momentum toward automation, the path to autonomy is not without challenges. Many companies still face practical obstacles that can slow adoption.
The most frequently cited barrier is the high upfront cost associated with implementing new digital systems. Around 34% of respondents say capital investment requirements remain a significant hurdle. Upgrading infrastructure, integrating new software platforms, and retraining staff can involve substantial expenditures.
Legacy systems present another major challenge. Approximately 30% of executives say that outdated infrastructure and fragmented digital architectures make it difficult to integrate modern autonomous technologies. In many facilities, decades-old equipment must be updated or replaced before advanced automation systems can be deployed effectively.
Organizational resistance also plays a role. About 27% of respondents say internal cultural barriers or reluctance to change existing processes can delay adoption. For many companies, transitioning to autonomous operations requires a shift in mindset as well as technology.
Cybersecurity concerns are also a key issue. Around 26% of executives say that protecting digital infrastructure and critical industrial systems from cyber threats is a significant challenge when implementing new connected technologies. Regulatory uncertainty adds another layer of complexity, with 25% of respondents citing evolving regulations as a potential obstacle.
A Convergence of Digital and Energy Trends
The research forms part of the company’s Global Autonomous Maturity Report, which identifies a broader transformation taking place across the energy and chemicals industries. The report suggests that the sector is entering a pivotal period as electrification, automation, and digitalization increasingly converge.
One of the most important drivers behind this shift is the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. The explosion of AI applications—particularly in hyperscale cloud services and data centers—has dramatically increased demand for reliable electricity and energy infrastructure.
In North America alone, electricity demand is projected to nearly double to approximately 1,000 terawatt-hours by 2030. This surge in consumption places enormous pressure on energy producers and industrial operators to deliver reliable, flexible, and efficient operations. Autonomous technologies, supported by AI and advanced analytics, are increasingly seen as essential tools for managing this growing complexity.
Within this evolving AI-energy ecosystem, nearly half of executives surveyed—49%—identified artificial intelligence as the single most important technology enabling the acceleration of autonomous operations. AI is being used to analyze vast amounts of operational data, detect anomalies, predict equipment failures, and optimize performance across complex industrial processes.
In addition to AI, several other technologies are contributing to the development of autonomous industrial environments. These include advancements in cybersecurity, cloud and edge computing platforms, digital twin modeling, advanced process control systems, and open, software-defined automation architectures.
Together, these technologies are enabling facilities to move beyond traditional automation toward fully integrated systems capable of predicting conditions, adapting operations, and optimizing performance with minimal human intervention.
The Role of Human Expertise
While automation and AI are transforming industrial operations, industry leaders emphasize that the shift toward autonomy is not about replacing human workers. Instead, it is about enhancing the capabilities of skilled teams and allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.
According to Emily Heitman, President of Schneider Electric Canada, many organizations in Canada and across North America already operate at relatively advanced levels of automation and are preparing to expand these capabilities in the coming decade.
She explains that as artificial intelligence reshapes both energy demand and industrial performance, autonomous operations are becoming a critical tool for maintaining system reliability, operational safety, and long-term competitiveness.
Rather than eliminating jobs, automation can free employees from routine monitoring tasks and allow them to focus on strategic decision-making, system optimization, and complex problem solving. In highly technical environments such as refineries, chemical plants, and energy facilities, this shift can improve both productivity and safety.
Regional Differences in Adoption
The research also reveals notable regional variations in how quickly companies are adopting autonomous technologies. While Asia currently leads the world in terms of operational maturity and adoption levels, North America is expected to experience the fastest acceleration over the next five years.
Several factors contribute to this expected growth. North America remains one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of energy, and the region is experiencing rapid expansion in digital infrastructure such as hyperscale data centers. These developments are driving demand for more sophisticated and resilient energy management systems.
At the same time, companies across the region are facing growing expectations from regulators, investors, and customers to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance operational resilience. Autonomous technologies can help organizations meet these expectations by improving real-time visibility, enabling predictive maintenance, and optimizing energy usage.
Real-World Examples of Autonomous Operations
Several recent projects demonstrate how these technologies are already being deployed in real-world industrial environments.
At the Scotford Refinery operated by Shell in Canada, Schneider Electric is working to modernize operational infrastructure using open, software-defined automation systems. These systems provide greater flexibility and allow operators to gradually transition toward more autonomous and data-driven operations.
Another example can be found at the Kassø Power-to-X facility developed by European Energy in Denmark. The project is widely recognized as the world’s first commercially viable e-methanol plant. Schneider Electric technologies are being used to enable AI-supported operational systems that can monitor performance, optimize production, and manage processes remotely.
Such projects highlight how advanced digital tools are enabling energy companies to operate complex facilities more efficiently while supporting the broader transition to cleaner fuels and sustainable energy systems.
Research Methodology
The findings presented in the report were developed through a collaboration between Schneider Electric and research organizations Censuswide and Development Economics. The research also included insights from independent energy market analyst Gaurav Sharma.
The study gathered input from 400 senior executives working in the energy and chemicals industries across 12 countries. These respondents represent organizations operating in four major global regions: North America, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
In addition to survey data, the research incorporated desk analysis and interviews with industry stakeholders and experts from across the global energy and chemicals sectors.
A Turning Point for the Industry
Taken together, the findings suggest that the energy industry is approaching a critical turning point. As energy demand grows, digital technologies advance, and workforce dynamics evolve, autonomous operations are rapidly shifting from experimental concepts to essential strategic capabilities.
For companies willing to invest in automation, AI, and digital infrastructure, the transition offers the potential for greater efficiency, improved safety, enhanced resilience, and stronger long-term competitiveness.
However, the report also makes clear that achieving these benefits will require overcoming technical, organizational, and financial barriers. The pace at which companies address these challenges will likely determine how quickly the global energy sector moves toward a more autonomous future.
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