The energy industry is no stranger to technological innovation. However, in recent years, the industry has seen an unprecedented transformation as automation and AI technologies continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. The impact of these technologies is being felt across the industry, from upstream exploration and production to downstream refining and distribution. Here’s a closer look at how automation and AI are transforming the energy industry:
Efficiency Gains and Cost Savings
The energy industry has always been a capital-intensive industry, and automation and AI technologies are helping companies optimise production, minimise downtime, and reduce maintenance costs.
Drones and robots are increasingly being used to inspect and monitor pipelines, wind turbines, and solar panels. This provides workers with an accurate inside look at the pipes to help them inspect them and ensure they stay safe. It reduces the need for human workers to perform these tasks manually, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Similarly, AI-powered algorithms are being used to analyse data from sensors and other sources to identify patterns and anomalies that can help energy companies make better decisions about how to operate their facilities more efficiently. One example is BP’s use of AI to optimise its operations. The company uses AI to anticipate problems and recommend corrective actions to respond with different approaches to changing situations.
Enhanced Safety
The energy industry is always looking for ways to enhance safety; automation and AI are significant contributors. For instance, robots can perform hazardous tasks such as inspecting nuclear reactors while protecting workers from unnecessary radiation exposure. Additionally, AI can be harnessed to monitor and anticipate equipment failures that may lead to workplace accidents or unexpected downtime.
In addition, companies are taking advantage of automation and artificial intelligence to respond to disasters seamlessly. Drones, for instance, enable surveys and evaluations of damage caused by natural catastrophes like hurricanes and earthquakes. This helps companies expedite the response process by mobilising necessary resources and personnel.
Overall, automation and AI positively impact safety in the energy industry and are helping to make workplaces safer for employees and the general public.
New Job Opportunities
The energy industry workforce is currently undergoing a transformation due to the emergence of automation and AI. Despite the potential displacement of some workers, this shift also creates a number of new job opportunities. Engineering roles, technicians and project managers are increasingly sought after in renewable energy fields. In addition, data analysts and machine learning experts will be essential for future development, making them highly valued in the industry.
Data analytics and machine learning professionals are increasingly in demand, as they can help organisations make sense of the vast amounts of data they collect through sensors and other sources. Moreover, automation and AI are creating exciting job opportunities that didn’t exist previously. With these new opportunities available, this is a great time to hone your skills in this field.
Training and Education
As more companies rely on AI and automation, there is an ever-growing need to ensure their employees possess the right skills and competencies to collaborate successfully with these technologies. That’s why many energy companies are teaming up with universities and other educational organisations to create comprehensive training programs. Such programs may focus on data science, coding, robotics and other pertinent topics designed to prepare employees for the changing job market. With such initiatives in place, workers in the energy industry can remain competitive despite technological shifts.
In summary, the energy industry is seeing an evolution spurred on by advances in automation and AI. These technological developments are ushering in opportunities for higher efficiency, improved safety, new employment roles, and specialised training. As technological advances continue to revolutionise the sector, employees must stay mindful of these changes to secure desired workplaces and prepare themselves for successful futures.
