The energy sector is undergoing its most radical transformation since the dawn of the oil age. From the rapid rise of renewable energy to the accelerating shift toward electrification, we are witnessing an energy renaissance. Automation, once a behind-the-scenes tool, is now the driving force behind intelligent, resilient energy production.
Digital technology, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer optional for oil, gas, and chemical companies—they are mission-critical. They’re redefining how we operate, compete, and lead. From real-time optimization to predictive maintenance, these tools are rewriting the rules of energy.
For control engineers, this isn’t just about tweaking systems for efficiency. It’s about reimagining the entire architecture of continuous process automation. The question is no longer whether automation will shape the future of energy but how boldly engineers will shape automation itself.
Innovation requires collaboration
Innovation doesn’t happen in silos. Instead, it demands a diverse ecosystem of partners, thinkers, and doers. That’s why Schneider Electric is not just participating in the next industrial evolution—we’re leading it.
As a founding member of UniversalAutomation.org (UAO), we champion open, software-defined automation. UAO’s shared-source technology—managed by over 100 industry leaders and pioneers like ExxonMobil, Cargill, Intel, and Honeywell—is breaking the stronghold of proprietary systems. By embracing shared-source, vendor-agnostic technology, we can drive real, lasting change.
Now’s the time to put operational control back where it belongs: in the hands of the industrial companies themselves. With open software-defined automation, companies can seamlessly integrate new technology with their existing infrastructures and third-party solutions, thereby overcoming vendor lock-in and scaling and growing on their own terms. The enhanced interoperability enabled by open, software-defined automation also paves the way for seamless adoption of emerging AI-driven innovations.
Five ways AI is shaping the future of energy
AI is here and is reshaping everything. From asset management to workforce productivity, AI is the engine behind a more efficient, resilient, and profitable automation in the energy sector. Here are five AI-enabled capabilities that are doing just that:
- Predictive maintenance detects potential equipment failures in advance, enabling teams to act before issues arise, potentially saving millions of dollars in downtime-related costs.
- Instrumented safety systems (ISS) improve process safety through automatic analyses of potential process hazards, helping protect workers and prevent disasters.
- Accelerated productivity from generative AI and industrial copilot for modernizing legacy software through reverse engineering, testing, and writing new control code. It streamlines upgrades, reduces downtime, and accelerates deployment—making automation systems more efficient and cost-effective in ways never before possible.
- Knowledge capture helps to bridge the gap between retiring experts and new talent. As automation and digitalization transform industrial workplaces amid ongoing labor shortages, AI helps ensure critical expertise is preserved and passed on to the next generation.
- Data-driven insights accelerate problem-solving and decision-making. For example, with Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) Analytics, AI can detect abnormal production and maintenance events in oil and gas extraction. Engineers can then address the issue and make repairs before a more extensive problem occurs.
This isn’t theoretical. It’s happening now. And it’s non-negotiable for companies that want to lead.
From innovation to impact: Preparing tomorrow’s industrial leaders
In this transformative era, it’s critical that companies are supported by solution partners that are constantly innovating with new technologies to better serve their needs and communities.
For example, our newly launched Energy Innovation Center in Houston, TX, is one of the world’s largest energy innovation hubs. This 10,500-square-foot state-of-the-art facility is a launchpad for transformation.
How?
Here, engineers, operators, technical leads, and the next-generation workforce will train on the latest automation and energy management systems. This training will prepare them to succeed in an AI-powered future. The center is designed to accelerate learning, foster innovation, and build the skills needed to lead in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
Today’s emerging engineers have grown up with smartphones, cloud computing, and intelligent systems. They expect software-driven automation and are naturally drawn to high-tech, digital-first environments. This center meets those expectations by helping industrial companies compete boldly, move faster, and achieve significant operational advancements.
Made in America, built for the future
We’re proud to be part of the nationwide movement to support manufacturing and process industries in the United States. At the White House’s recent “Investing in America” event, we were invited to showcase our variable speed drives, which help industries reduce costs and boost productivity. Soon, these will be made in our new Ohio facility, which was recently awarded a Make it American Process Certification and Build America, Buy America (BABA) certification as part of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Make it American™ Program.
This isn’t a coincidence. We’re building smarter, more resilient supply chains that support innovation in industry while doing it close to our customers.
The time to lead is now
The future of energy is digital, automated, and data driven. Indeed, companies that embrace AI and open, software-defined automation today will be the ones leading tomorrow.
From powering AI growth to modernizing factories and strengthening the grid, we’re committed to helping build a smarter, more sustainable energy future.
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