91% of US energy sector executives believe AI has near-term potential to enhance energy security, a new survey has found. According to Honeywell’s latest pulse survey, energy companies are rapidly exploring AI to improve a range of operational areas, including cybersecurity, maintenance, efficiency and workforce development.
The “AI in the Energy Industry” poll draws on responses from 300 US-based decision-makers and influencers across energy and adjacent industries. Of those surveyed, 85% reported that their organisations are already using or piloting AI in some form. While only 12% of respondents currently regard AI as a critical part of their operations, 81% expect it to become essential within the next five years, pointing to an anticipated surge in strategic adoption.
Cybersecurity tops AI use cases, followed by maintenance and efficiency
When asked about the most valuable use cases for AI, respondents ranked cybersecurity and threat detection highest at 57%. However, other operational priorities followed closely. As per the survey, 52% cited predictive maintenance, 44% selected operational efficiency, and 28% pointed to workforce augmentation as key use cases for AI.
AI is also being adopted to support workforce resilience. The survey reported that 53% of respondents indicated they are using AI to address labour shortages and assist with upskilling, while an equal share said AI is being applied to improve workplace safety and threat monitoring. Routine automation was noted by 36% of participants, reflecting ongoing use of AI to handle repetitive or administrative tasks.
The survey found that 94% of organisations are either currently working with an AI solution provider or actively considering such partnerships. This level of engagement indicates a strong interest in integrating AI across both legacy infrastructure and new systems, particularly as operational models shift to support digital technologies.
These findings come as the global energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation. According to BloombergNEF’s April 2025 New Energy Outlook, total energy demand is projected to increase by 32% by 2050, with electricity demand expected to rise by 75%.
“To meet the growing energy demands, industry leaders are leveraging new technology solutions to help address some of the most pressing challenges — enhancing energy security, optimising current infrastructure, harnessing new sources of energy and augmenting the workforce,” said Honeywell’s energy and sustainability solutions president and CEO, Ken West. “Looking ahead, new technologies like AI and automation can further optimise existing energy systems and integrate new energy sources more swiftly and efficiently.”
Meanwhile, a survey released by DNV Cyber in January identified cybersecurity as the top risk facing the energy industry. As per this survey, 65% of energy professionals surveyed said cyber threats pose the greatest risk to their operations. Based on input from 375 participants, the report also found that 71% expect their organisations to increase cybersecurity investment in 2025.
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