Although energy and utility companies have been implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for several years, 67% of them plan to significantly increase their investment in AI over the next two years, as shown in the report, “AI: X-ray of a revolution in progress” prepared by Minsait (Indra), which examines the adoption of AI in private companies and public institutions in 15 different sectors.
The study reveals that the energy sector has reached a high level of maturity in the implementation of AI. In recent years, energy companies have integrated AI into various business areas and this trend continues to grow throughout the value chain, with a focus on cost-benefit analysis and social responsibility. Currently, most of these companies have integrated plans and are working to implement AI on a large scale in the next two years.
Juan Pérez de Cossio, Global Director of the Energy and Utilities Market at Minsait, explains that “AI will disrupt all areas and the energy sector will be no exception. We will see increasingly innovative and surprising solutions to the energy challenges that lie ahead.” Thus, AI is emerging as a key tool to face these challenges and take advantage of new opportunities.
Energy companies with AI
This extensive use is manifested in multiple applications, such as optimizing the planning and construction of distribution networks, the efficient location of critical assets or plants, anticipating failures and anomalous connections, and improving decision-making processes. In addition, 44% of companies in the sector are focusing their efforts on ESG (environmental, social and governance) areas, including the analysis and forecasting of environmental impact.
39% of energy and utility companies already dedicate sufficient resources to the integration of artificial intelligence
Another highlight is the use of AI to identify, explore, extract and transport energy resources (30%), especially in route optimization and predictive infrastructure maintenance. In the distribution area, 22% of companies use AI to detect leaks and fraud in the network.
Furthermore, 71% of companies say that the main motivation for adopting AI or intensifying its use is to improve efficiency and optimize internal processes. However, despite the vast amount of data that these companies can collect, especially in real time, they still need to improve their analytical capabilities to extract maximum value from this data.
The report also highlights the impact of AI on energy companies through the massive use of generative customer service agents, the personalization of tariffs and services based on the analysis of consumption patterns, the optimization of energy use through smart home management systems, and the promotion of efficient and sustainable energy use through personalized recommendations and predictive analysis.
