Energy Sector Accelerates AI Adoption Amid Governance Challenges

The energy and natural resources sector is accelerating investments in artificial intelligence and robotics but faces crucial challenges in governance and integration with legacy systems.

The incorporation of advanced technologies has moved beyond the testing phase to become central to corporate strategies in the energy, natural resources, and industrials (ER&I) segment. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, the vast majority of companies have increased financial investments in automated solutions, aiming to optimize assets and enhance operational safety. However, transforming isolated experiments into industrial routines requires overcoming complex barriers in infrastructure and regulatory compliance.

The transition to large-scale use is gaining momentum in areas such as predictive maintenance, generation forecasting, and electricity grid management. With the advancement of digital tools, organizations in the energy transition market and public utilities are rediscovering internal processes to increase efficiency, although the complete reinvention of business models is still progressing at a more cautious pace.

The Rise of Physical AI in Operations

A defining characteristic of this market is its strong dependence on physical assets. In this scenario, approximately 72% of companies already apply some form of physical AI, combining collaborative robotics, advanced sensors, and digital twins to monitor power plants, refineries, and distribution networks. This figure is projected to increase significantly in the coming years, consolidating automation as a pillar of sustainability and productivity.

The pursuit of autonomy and security also drives the concept of sovereign AI. A large portion of executives prioritize local suppliers to ensure strict control over confidential data and comply with rigorous regulatory requirements, reducing external dependency on critical infrastructure.

Patrícia Muricy stated:

The results show that companies in this segment already clearly see where artificial intelligence can generate value, but capturing this potential depends on the ability to scale initiatives safely and integrated into operational environments.

Governance and Challenges with Autonomous Agents

The next technological frontier involves the use of autonomous agents capable of making complex decisions with minimal human intervention. Although the intention to adopt these tools is high among managers, the maturation of control mechanisms is still lagging, raising a red flag for operational and regulatory risks.

Experts emphasize that technological expansion must be accompanied by a structural redesign of teams and well-defined workflows. The scarcity of qualified professionals and the need for rigorous security barriers require companies to balance innovation and continuous supervision.

Jefferson Denti stated:

The implementation of oversight mechanisms, definition of autonomy limits, continuous monitoring of applications, and traceability of decisions are critical.

The future of energy transition and industrial operations will depend on these organizations’ ability to align robust investments with solid governance. Only then will it be possible to convert technological innovation into long-term value without compromising the security of essential infrastructure.