GENERATIVE AI HAS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Generative AI is helping to accelerate the drive towards a more sustainable future. It is helping optimise renewable energy systems, forecast energy demand, and streamline grid management. By analysing vast amounts of data, generative AI models can identify patterns, simulate scenarios, and recommend optimal solutions to improve the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy infrastructure.
Merce Vintro Ricart, Manager Natural Language Processing, Digital Innovation at Shell said integrating renewable energy into existing infrastructure was a complex challenge, but a highly beneficial one.
“AI can help in optimising the means of combining traditional and renewable energy sources. Just imagine an AI-generated model that can predict the best ways to integrate solar, wind and geothermal into our existing networks,” she said. “It is about paving the way for a sustainable and innovative future.”
COLLABORATION IS VITAL
Collaboration is crucial for AI to thrive in the energy industry. It allows professionals, providers and innovators to combine their domain expertise, technological capabilities and forward-thinking to develop practical AI solutions. By working together, they can overcome challenges, adapt to industry changes, and drive sustainable progress. Oil and gas companies are partnering with technology firms and startups to accelerate AI innovation.
Matt Lee, Chief Delivery Officer at Amdaris, said: “You have to drive collaboration, make sure everyone within the business is really engaged in what you are trying to do.”
YOUR EXISTING WORKFORCE REMAINS THE KEY TO SUCCESS
Despite the rise of AI, human expertise, experience, and problem-solving skills remain essential for navigating complex energy systems, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring a smooth transition to new technologies. Integrating AI and human talent can optimise operations, foster innovation, and build a resilient, future-ready energy workforce.
“Let’s not forget that behind any artificial intelligence and digital transformation, there is a human brain at work. We can't ignore the significance and importance of the contribution of humans,” Zeeshan Rasheed, Procurement Director, Global Engineering, Brownfield Projects & New Energy Start-Up at bp said.
Implementing a rapid and smooth digital transformation across the energy industry requires skilled, experienced personnel, not just new technology.
“This requires people to stay around. People with typically 10-25 years of experience because they have seen the practical sides of the industry in their career, and they know the practical scenarios. They know how to make things work,” Rasheed said.
ORGANISATIONS NEED TO BECOME MORE DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE
The energy industry is still predominantly run by men, but times are changing, as organisations take steps to provide an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Annemart Kroeze, IT Management, Commercial Operations at Shell noted the efforts her company was making to become more inclusive.
“We organise a yearly ‘Women in IT’ event where we bring women together in each of the hubs that we have in four locations; Houston, London, The Netherlands and Bangalore, so women can get to know each other across the different businesses. Just the feeling of community we see as a tremendous help,” she said.
THOSE YET TO EMBRACE AI NEED TO DO SO
Companies that embrace AI will gain a competitive edge by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and responding more effectively to market changes. Failing to adopt AI could leave energy firms lagging behind more tech-savvy competitors.
“It’s got to a point where you need to be involved, because if you're not, then you are going to miss out,” Steve Higgon, CEO of TAAP, told attendees.
“Organisations should be exploring and experimenting with AI. There’s no point waiting because you learn a lot from any pain you experience – through that, you understand the mistakes that you don't want to make again,” he said.
SECURITY CONCERNS ARE STILL PREVALENT
The threat landscape has evolved, with AI-powered social engineering techniques, security service edge, zero-trust architecture and large language models posing new challenges. Organisations must adapt promptly by analysing deep fakes, creating modular security, focusing on zero-trust, and ensuring protection against AI-driven threats to safeguard their systems and reputation, the conference heard.
COORDINATED ACTION IS NEEDED FOR AN EQUITABLE ENERGY TRANSITION
The transition to a low-carbon economy is a critical global challenge that requires coordinated action across governments, businesses, and individuals to enable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, increased use of renewable energy, and implementation of energy-efficient technologies. It also requires support for affected workers and communities, as well as consideration of changes in consumer behaviour.
The goal should be to achieve a sustainable, low-emission economy that mitigates the risks of climate change, while promoting economic growth and social equity, speakers said.
Governments and regulators are seen as having a vital role in achieving this, by providing incentives and policies to support the transition, given businesses may lack the resources to adapt quickly enough on their own.
“What I’ve seen so far is you need government policies. They will enable the right technology uptake,” Glenn Sondak, Digitalisation Lead, LNG Portfolio (AME) at Shell told attendees.
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