Schneider Electric report highlights industry shift toward AI-driven autonomy as energy demand and workforce pressures intensify

Schneider Electric report highlights industry shift toward AI-driven autonomy as energy demand and workforce pressures intensify

(IN BRIEF) Schneider Electric’s latest global research highlights a major shift in the energy and chemicals sector toward autonomous operations, with nearly half of processes expected to become fully autonomous by 2030 and a significant portion already operating at advanced levels of autonomy. The study, based on insights from 400 executives across 12 countries, shows that growing pressures such as rising costs, workforce shortages, and increasing energy demand—particularly driven by AI and data center expansion—are accelerating adoption. While leaders recognize the benefits of autonomy in improving efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness, they also face challenges including high costs, legacy systems, and regulatory concerns. Artificial intelligence is identified as the primary driver of this transformation, supported by technologies such as digital twins and software-defined automation. Regional differences show GCC and Asia leading in current adoption, while North America is expected to accelerate most rapidly. The report underscores a broader industry transition where autonomous operations are becoming essential to managing future energy demands and enabling more sustainable and efficient systems.

(PRESS RELEASE) RUEIL-MALMAISON, 23-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Schneider Electric has released new global research indicating that the energy and chemicals sector is rapidly advancing toward autonomous operations, with the industry approaching a significant transformation milestone driven by mounting economic, technological, and workforce pressures.

The study, based on insights from 400 senior executives across 12 countries, reveals that nearly half of industry operations are expected to become fully autonomous by 2030, while close to one-third of organizations already report fully autonomous processes in place. This shift reflects a growing urgency among leaders, with 31.5% identifying autonomy as a critical priority within the next five years, increasing to 44% over a ten-year timeframe. Only a small minority—less than 5%—consider it a low priority.

Executives point to strong commercial drivers behind this acceleration. A majority warn that postponing adoption could result in rising operational costs (59%), intensifying workforce shortages (52%), and reduced competitiveness (48%), particularly as the sector contends with inflation and an aging workforce. At the same time, organizations face several challenges in implementing autonomous systems, including high initial investment requirements (34%), legacy infrastructure limitations (30%), resistance to organizational change (27%), cybersecurity risks (26%), and regulatory uncertainties (25%).

Schneider Electric’s Global Autonomous Maturity Report underscores that the sector is at a pivotal stage where electrification, automation, and digitalization are converging. Rapid growth in artificial intelligence—especially from hyperscale cloud providers and expanding data centers—is placing unprecedented demand on global energy systems. Electricity consumption linked to this trend is expected to approach 1,000 TWh by 2030, reinforcing the need for more efficient, adaptive, and resilient operational models.

Within this evolving landscape, nearly half of respondents (49%) identify artificial intelligence as the primary driver accelerating autonomous capabilities. Other enabling technologies include advancements in cybersecurity, cloud and edge computing, digital twins, advanced process control systems, and open, software-defined automation platforms.

Gwenaelle Avice Huet, Executive Vice President at Schneider Electric, emphasized that organizations are already operating at approximately 70% autonomy on average, with ambitions to reach 80% by the end of the decade. She highlighted that autonomous operations are becoming a defining feature of modern industrial models, enabling greater resilience and competitiveness. She also noted that the transition is intended to augment human capabilities by allowing employees to focus on higher-value tasks, improving safety and advancing workforce skills.

Industry experts echo this perspective, noting that the pace of adoption is exceeding earlier expectations. Independent Energy Market Analyst Gaurav Sharma pointed out that software-defined automation is emerging as a central component of the next phase of energy innovation. In a sector where reliability, safety, and carbon reduction are critical, these technologies are enabling operators to enhance efficiency while maintaining high performance standards.

The report also highlights regional differences in adoption. The Gulf Cooperation Council and Asia currently lead in implementation maturity, while North America is expected to experience the most rapid growth in adoption over the next five years, driven by its scale of energy demand and the expansion of data center infrastructure. Europe continues to progress steadily but at a comparatively slower pace.

Schneider Electric, together with AVEVA, is actively supporting the transition to autonomous operations through real-world deployments. Companies such as Shell, European Energy, ADNOC, and Baosteel are already leveraging these technologies. For example, at Shell’s Scotford Refinery in Canada, modernization efforts using software-defined automation are enabling more flexible and autonomous operations. Similarly, at European Energy’s Kassø Power-to-X facility, the world’s first commercial e-methanol plant, integrated solutions are enabling AI-driven, self-optimizing clean fuel production supported by resilient remote monitoring systems.

The research was conducted in collaboration with Censuswide and Development Economics, incorporating input from industry stakeholders and analysts. It provides a comprehensive overview of how the global energy and chemicals sector is navigating the transition toward autonomy and highlights the technologies and strategies shaping its future.

Notes to Editors:
• The framework used in the study is the Autonomous Operations Maturity Model (AOMM) developed by ARC Advisory Group, which outlines a five-step hierarchy for adoption of autonomous technology, with Level 5 representing full autonomy. The report data reveals:
• The global average of current maturity is reported at 3.52 out of 5, between “Advanced Regulatory”(where technology is in control of specific scenarios and humans are alerted when unexpected events occur) and “Select Autonomy” (systems run autonomously in specific
scenarios, e.g., can detect and correct issues, but humans still needed for repairs and resets).
• To enhance clarity and aid understanding of these levels, “Advanced Regulatory” has been assigned as “Advancing Maturity” and “Select Autonomy” as “High Maturity” in Schneider Electric’s Global Autonomous Maturity Report. The percentage equivalent of level 3.52 has been calculated as approximately 70% autonomy.
• The global average ambition for 2030 is to reach level 4.02 (High Maturity, approximately 80% autonomy), where systems can operate autonomously across defined scenarios with humans overseeing, correcting, and optimizing when needed.
• The level of current and desired autonomous operations in the next 5 years is asked in Q1 of the Censuswide survey (How would you rate your current and desired level(s) of autonomous maturity within your organization?)

About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory. With 160,000 employees and 1 million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies.

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SOURCE: Schneider Electric