Global autonomous maturity
Autonomous operations in the energies and chemicals sector are advancing faster than expected, driven by rapid gains from automation, digitalization, and electrification.
The path to fully autonomous plant operations is clear, and early movers are already shaping the next era of energy transformation.
This report draws on insights from 400 senior decision makers from the energy and chemicals sector across twelve countries. It is built around the ARC Advisory Group Autonomous Operations Maturity Model Index*, a five‑level framework that tracks progress toward full autonomy, with level 5 representing complete autonomous operation.
Ambition for autonomous operations is accelerating across the global energies and chemicals sector. Leaders see autonomy as a way to boost performance, cut costs, and hit sustainability targets.
AI and machine learning
Cybersecurity and safety
Cloud and edge computing
Advanced process control
Robotics and field automation
Regional differences highlight unique priorities for autonomous systems. North America emphasizes workforce safety and productivity gains, Asia places greater weight on cost reduction, Middle East countries lean into environmental performance, and Europe is driven by productivity gains and competitive advantage.
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Learn from the leaders.
Shell Scotford refinery, Canada, improved system interoperability
Modernized automation by integrating EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert with its Foxboro DCS and Triconex systems, reducing engineering complexity.
European Energy: remote monitoring for clean fuels production
Connected e‑methanol plant, green hydrogen facility, and solar park on one EcoStruxure and AVEVA™ platform, enabling safer, more reliable, operations.
Baosteel: crane operations reached 98% autonomy
Modernized labor‑intensive, safety‑critical crane operations with an EcoStruxure solution featuring unmanned crane control, optimized logistics, and monitoring.
ADNOC Refining AI‑driven autonomous operations
Using EcoStruxure and NVIDIA’s Raptor DRL engine, the system optimized hydrogen use, energy efficiency, and condition monitoring, delivering cost reductions.Discover how autonomous technologies are transforming performance in energy and chemicals.
* https://www.arcweb.com/industry-best-practices/what-autonomous-operations
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