A shortage of specialist skills could slow the energy sector’s digital transformation, limiting opportunities to improve efficiency and support the transition to a lower-carbon energy system, new research suggests.
A global survey by IoT company Pelion, conducted with ABI Research, found that 68% of energy industry leaders see a lack of internal and external expertise as the biggest barrier to deploying Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
IoT connectivity enables energy companies to monitor assets remotely, improve network performance, reduce downtime and optimise operations.
These capabilities can help cut emissions by making energy infrastructure more efficient and supporting the integration of renewable energy.
However, the survey found that 70% of respondents identified managing connected devices across multiple countries as their biggest challenge when scaling projects. Security also remains a major concern, with cyber incidents costing energy companies significantly more than those in other industries.
Despite these challenges, the research points to growing confidence in digital connectivity.
The energy sector leads other industries in adopting Mobile Virtual Network Operators, offering greater flexibility for connected infrastructure.
The findings highlight the importance of digital innovation in creating a more resilient, efficient and sustainable global energy sector.
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