Global study shows energy industry ramping up investment in autonomous operations by 2030 as AI reshapes performance

Study of 400 senior energy and chemicals leaders across 12 countries signals a tipping point: the sector is racing towards almost 50% full automation by 2030 with close to a third of operations already fully autonomous 59% warn that delaying adoption will drive up operating costs, as the sector races to manage inflation and a retiring workforce Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Asia lead on current adoptions levels with North America planning the most aggressive acceleration, fueled by AI-driven energy demand and expanding data center footprint HOUSTON, March 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, today unveils new research highlighting a powerful combination of pressures pushing autonomous operations to the top of the agenda for the energies and chemicals sector. The study of 400 senior energy and chemicals executives across 12 countries shows a sharp rise in urgency around autonomy.