Nuage

Comment se préparer aux jumeaux numériques et aux autres tendances du secteur de l'énergie

Article 25 mars 2025 Temps de lecture: min

By Ankur Gupta

Transformation-related spending in the oil and gas industry is expected to grow exponentially over the next five years, with investments in data and analytics and AI alone estimated to eclipse US$7.1 billion by 2026.¹

This projected growth signals an increased commitment from upstream, midstream and downstream companies to enhance operational efficiency, advance sustainability initiatives, and bolster security and resiliency across their organizations.

As the energy sector races toward a decarbonized and digitalized future, here are six technology-related trends to watch — and how to prepare for them:

Advanced technologies will revolutionize operations

Research shows that production downtime can cost oil and gas companies an average of US$149 million per plant annually, or nearly US$500,000 for every hour a facility is offline.² Upstream companies can use integrated sensors and AI to help predict equipment failures, reducing downtime and boosting operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, advanced technologies like wearables and drones enhance workplace safety and reliability in remote operations. Machine learning enables demand forecasting, inventory management and shipment tracking in supply chain and logistics.

How to prepare

Since data fuels AI and machine learning, consider investing in platforms and processes that support AIOps and facilitate data collection, storage and analysis. You’ll also want to implement small-scale projects to train, test and refine the use of advanced technologies in real-world applications.

For example, you can develop AI-driven predictive maintenance programs for compressors and turbines. These enhancements identify early signs of wear and optimize maintenance schedules, which in turn helps decrease failures and extend equipment lifespan.

Asian woman petrochemical engineer working at night with digital tablet Inside oil and gas refinery plant industry factory at night for inspector safety quality control.

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Production downtime can cost oil and gas companies an average of US$149 million per plant annually.

The use of digital twins will accelerate

Many oil and gas companies are deploying digital twins — virtual representations of a physical asset — to forecast production rates, simulate and analyze oil and gas fields, and speed recovery without affecting physical facilities and production processes.³

Research also shows that more than 43% of oil and gas enterprises have started using digital twin technology for preventive maintenance. By identifying and addressing issues before they escalate, organizations may be able to reduce maintenance costs by an additional 12% to 15%.⁴

How to prepare

Digital twins require robust data to perform optimally, so address unbalanced data, missing information and inconsistent values. You’ll need high-performance computing hardware and software to run complex simulations. Once in place, launch pilot projects to foster collaboration between engineers, data scientists, operations teams and external partners as you scale implementation.

Energy transition and sustainability solutions will take center stage

Technology will be central to decarbonization as the industry transitions to sustainable energy. For instance, AI and automation can help oil and gas companies produce accurate reports for regulatory bodies, monitor equipment health, and predict potential spills or leaks.

At the macro level, oil and gas companies will continue integrating wind and solar energy into operations and diversifying into renewable energy generation and distribution. Investments in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies will also likely grow.

How to prepare

Begin implementing AI and automation to enhance operational efficiency while integrating energy management systems to help reduce energy consumption and related carbon emissions. As you expand AI capabilities, design models that identify usage patterns and anomalies, developing automated workflows for environmental and social performance data collection, analysis and reporting.

Asian man petrochemical engineer working at oil and gas refinery plant industry factory,The people worker man engineer work control at power plant energy industry manufacturing

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Technology will be central to decarbonization as the industry transitions to sustainable energy.

Integrated connectivity will increase

Analysts predict the oil and gas industry will account for 32% of private network spending by 2027.⁵ Spending will be driven by SD-WAN and private 5G adoption, which support better data collection and delivery from thousands of sensors and IoT devices spread across facilities. These capabilities, coupled with cloud networking and connectivity management tools, provide real-time alerts and help connected workers perform their jobs more safely and efficiently.

How to prepare

Evaluate existing network infrastructure to identify areas for improvement. Then, you can create a connectivity strategy, define network requirements, and select and implement appropriate solutions like 5G and SD-WAN, all with an eye toward future scalability.

Throughout the implementation process, focus on training employees to use connected technologies and data analysis effectively. It’s also a good idea to explore edge computing, which can reduce latency and improve operational efficiency by processing data closer to the source.

Data will drive business value

Predictive analytics supported by historical data and real-time monitoring allows upstream companies to address challenges like drilling inefficiencies and equipment failures. Meanwhile, AI modeling enables data-informed decision-making that helps optimize production, minimize downtime and reduce energy usage.

From a supply chain and logistics perspective, data supports everything from demand forecasting and inventory management to shipment tracking and revenue prediction.

How to prepare

To ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, you’ll need to implement a data governance strategy that dictates how information is collected, stored and accessed. Your policies and procedures should also include data quality checks and guidelines for a maturity roadmap.

At the operational level, invest in data analytics and visualization tools and encourage data-based decision-making throughout the organization. You can also hire data scientists and analysts to help extract actionable insights from your data.

Many oil pumps at sunset under the red sky

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Data supports everything from demand forecasting and inventory management to shipment tracking and revenue prediction.

Cybersecurity and resiliency will underpin all initiatives

With cyber incidents rising and the cost of a single event now averaging more than US$3 million,⁶ the oil and gas industry will double down on efforts to anticipate, protect against, withstand and recover from attacks. AI governance, including data privacy and algorithmic transparency, will also prove central to cybersecurity and resiliency.

How to prepare

Start with zero trust. As you put these security protocols in place, conduct routine assessments to identify vulnerabilities, use firewalls and encryption to protect data, and develop incident response plans. Share best practices with employees throughout the process and continuously monitor and adapt to emerging threats.

Evolving for the future state of oil and gas

Oil and gas companies are undergoing a seismic shift in business. By integrating advanced technologies and prioritizing operational efficiency, organizations can navigate market instability and prepare their businesses for sustainable growth.

Ankur Gupta is a Partner in Kyndryl Consult’s Manufacturing and Energy division.

¹ Fueling the future: How data and analytics and AI are transforming the oil and gas industry, Everest Group, September 2024
² AI in oil and gas: Preventing equipment failures before they cost millions, Energies Media, February 2025
³ Report shows digital twins gaining rapid acceptance in oil and gas operations, Journal of Petroleum Technology, May 2024
⁴ Digital twin in oil and gas market: Industry dynamics, market size and opportunity forecast to 2032, Astute Analytica, March 2024
⁵ 8 top industries for private 5G, NetworkWorld, November 2023
⁶ GlobalData: Cyberattacks a growing threat for oil and gas, World Pipelines, August 2024