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40% of energy companies using AI, BRG report finds
ColoradoBiz Staff //March 17, 2026//
About 40% of energy companies are using artificial intelligence in core business operations, as rising power demand and grid constraints increase pressure on the industry to adopt the technology, according to new research from consulting firm Berkeley Research Group.
In Brief:
- About 40% of energy companies are using artificial intelligence in core operations, according to a Berkeley Research Group report.
- The survey of 100 global energy executives found 95% have implemented AI to a large or moderate extent.
- Companies are using AI for cybersecurity, energy trading, resource forecasting and corporate functions.
- Cybersecurity concerns, data issues and lack of skilled talent remain major barriers to wider AI adoption.
The report, “AI in Energy: A New Imperative,” is based on a survey of 100 energy executives worldwide involved in their companies’ AI efforts. Respondents were split evenly between fossil fuel and clean energy companies.
The survey found 95% of respondents have implemented AI to a large or moderate extent. Companies reported efficiency gains in areas such as cybersecurity, energy trading and corporate operations.
“AI can make a measurable impact not only in cybersecurity and administrative functions but also energy trading, resource forecasting and delivery,” said Christopher Goncalves, chair of BRG’s energy and climate practice.
Adoption varies across sectors. Among clean energy companies, 46% have implemented AI for resource forecasting and about four in 10 have used it in energy storage and delivery. Among fossil fuel companies, about one-third have adopted AI in asset operations.
Industry leaders cited several barriers to wider adoption. Cybersecurity and data privacy concerns were identified by 55% of respondents. Data availability, quality or accessibility issues were cited by 47%, while 38% pointed to a lack of skilled talent.
Only 41% of respondents said their organizations have AI use policies that are comprehensive and adaptable to changing regulations.
The report is the second in BRG’s AI Industry Spotlight Series, which examines AI adoption across major sectors. Future reports will focus on financial institutions and health care.
Demand for power from data centers and growing strain on electric grids are increasing pressure on energy producers to adopt AI tools for forecasting, trading and grid management, the report said. The global energy AI market is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2030.
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