A collaboration between PTA and Statista
Automated processes and reliable control systems play a crucial role in the system-critical energy sector. After all, market players operate in a highly regulated market environment that is changing dynamically and fundamentally – and customer requirements are also becoming increasingly complex and demanding. Agentic AI, a new evolutionary stage of artificial intelligence, relieves the energy sector of this tension. This is because Agentic AI involves systems that act and make decisions independently and adapt to complex conditions. This article shows how companies in the energy sector can benefit from the use of this new technology.
The use of agentic AI is still at an early stage in many companies. In practice, generative AI and classic automation still dominate – agentic AI has only played a minor role in day-to-day operations so far. However, a fundamental change is on the horizon, as the new evolutionary stage of artificial intelligence is opening up completely new possibilities. Generative AI is not just optimizing processes – it is changing the way companies make decisions, collaborate and grow. But the next step is needed to unleash its full potential: agentic AI. This technology goes beyond pure content creation. It creates autonomous, goal-oriented systems that act and make decisions independently.
Status quo: automation and optimization through AI still in focus
In the energy sector, for example, the focus is on optimizing existing processes, such as customer service or the targeted control of supply networks. AI is primarily used here as an assisting system that prepares or supports decisions, but does not act independently. It is mostly used in isolation – an indication that full autonomy is not currently a primary goal. Rather, the focus is on increasing efficiency and targeted process improvement, not on comprehensive scaling. But how can the energy sector now leverage the advantages of the new evolutionary stage of artificial intelligence in order to consistently prepare for the upcoming energy transition and the associated transformation?
The hurdles in the energy sector are high …
…but not insurmountable. The use of agentic AI faces hurdles in the energy sector that are less to do with the technology itself, but are more structural and industry-specific in nature. High regulatory requirements, which are slowing down the introduction of agentic systems, are primarily responsible for this. 43 percent of those responsible at energy suppliers hold this view. This is the result of a survey conducted by our IT professionals together with market researchers from Statista. After all, security, documentation requirements and traceability have the highest priority in the energy sector – which significantly slows down the integration of new technologies.
The introduction of Agentic AI at energy companies therefore requires time and the necessary expertise due to the framework conditions mentioned. Especially in highly regulated or technologically complex areas, Agentic AI often requires far-reaching adjustments – and correspondingly high resources. In the energy sector, however, the potential of Agentic AI is undisputed and is recognized by decision-makers: The use of the new AI technology is particularly worthwhile for use cases such as forecasting energy demand and consumption, according to 57% of the decision-makers surveyed. When it comes to the end-to-end optimization of grid security, 52% see advantages in the use of Agentic AI, while around half of those surveyed are convinced that the use of the new AI technology can improve the integration of renewable energies into existing grids as well as the automation of maintenance work that is required as part of the energy transition.
Quantum leap Agentic AI: be prepared for future requirements
With the use of Agentic AI, the transition to an AI-native, agent-based IT landscape is taking place. This serves as a strategic control center that transforms many individual processes and measures into intelligent, networked processes. In times of scarce resources, autonomous action is becoming a business necessity – especially in view of the shortage of skilled workers. And this is precisely where Agentic AI can provide relief. What’s more, the new technology not only provides fast, but also predictive analyses and precise recommendations for action – a great added value, especially in the volatile energy sector. 75 percent of survey participants also see improvements in the customer experience. A decisive strategic benefit – especially through personalized interactions and adaptive services. In an increasingly competitive market environment and an energy market that is currently undergoing fundamental change, this is precisely what is becoming a differentiating factor. The early adopters in the energy sector who are already investing in Agentic AI are laying a solid foundation for smarter management, greater security of supply and operational efficiency.
Energy suppliers who have recognized this will benefit from the following advantages in the coming years:
- More autonomy and more effective work, because the corresponding Agentic AI tools track long-term goals independently and make even more informed decisions without human intervention.
- Optimized context processing, as the functions relating to the areas of “memory” and “situational learning” will also improve. The programs learn on the basis of previous tasks and continuously adapt their action process.
- Simplified integration into business processes through greater adaptation of Agentic AI to individual company software, cloud services and workflows, for example in the optimization of energy distribution, load management or real-time control.
- Increased security aspects, in the context of which ethical issues will play an even greater role.
Introduce methodically and don’t rush things
There is no doubt that the use of Agentic AI promises long-term efficiency gains and new scope for action – but getting there is challenging and resource-intensive. Companies in the energy sector are therefore well advised to seek targeted support – both in terms of technology and personnel – in order to overcome their specific challenges in dealing with Agentic AI. Practical assistance is needed that addresses the specific bottlenecks: system integration, the database, the high regulatory requirements and employee qualifications. Companies see the greatest need for support in ensuring data quality (49%), for example by establishing a data governance concept. This is because Agentic AI relies on structured and cleansed data. However, processing this data ties up considerable resources and has not yet been systematically organized in many companies. A lack of interfaces, fragmented IT landscapes, which are often found in the energy industry, and limited internal capacities make it difficult to smoothly embed agentic systems into the existing infrastructure. 46 percent of companies therefore also state that they need support with integration. In each case, 44 percent see regulatory advice and the training of their employees as crucial requirements. Specialist expertise is particularly essential when using autonomous systems – for safe operation, broad acceptance and the avoidance of misuse. If energy companies take all these factors into account, Agentic AI has the potential to become a real game changer in managing the upcoming energy transition.
