Automation In Energy And Utilities

AI and ML are going to make the energy sectors more efficient and will address the current need for de-stressing the climate. An in-depth survey from the industry shows that the industry leaders are ready for it.

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The global energy and utilities sector is undergoing unprecedented change:

The three “Ds” of decarbonisation, deregulation and decentralisation are having a significant impact. Currently only 10% of UK’s electricity comes from coal-fired generators, and in 2019 the national Grid has logged more than 1,000 hours of coal-free electricity.

The sector is moving from its conservative, regulated past to a new future where innovation is key. Its consumer base, which used to be largely passive, has now moved to a world of ‘prosumers’ who expect a sophisticated, service-based industry.

Digitisation will be critical to capitalising on these shifts. Technologies, such as automation and artificial intelligence, are playing a pivotal role in managing the balance between demand and supply, boosting efficiencies in all the entirety of the value chain, innovating the customer experience and transforming business models. The global research study, Reshaping the future:

Unlocking automation’s untapped value, explored the intelligent automation landscape (by ‘intelligent automation’, it is implied a combination of rule-based technologies such as RPA and added intelligence through advanced analytics and artificial intelligence). Examining specific use cases and the benefits they can deliver, it drew on the views of more than 700 executives involved in implementing intelligent automation solutions. Building on what we learned from that cross sector program, this latest 2019 research takes a specific look at energy and utilities (oil and gas, electricity utilities, water utilities, energy services and electricity and gas utilities). We surveyed close to 530 business leaders in sector organisations who are experimenting with or implementing intelligent automation solutions. We also analysed more than 80 use cases, assessing their maturity, complexity and the benefits on offer.