The energy sector is undoubtedly one of the most exciting industries to work in right now, not least because it hires over 8.35 million workers, including 40% of those working in renewables. Now is the time for aspirational workers to capitalize.
Whether you are looking to break into the industry or further develop your career in this sector, understanding the latest energy sector trends relating to IT and cybersecurity is vital. Here are some of the most notable developments you should know heading into 2025.
1. Growing Demands On Cybersecurity
As companies increasingly embrace digitization, including many of the IT-based energy sector trends mentioned below, the pressure for organizations to upgrade their approach to cybersecurity cannot be ignored. Not least because a signal breach can spell disaster.
The harsh reality is that cybercriminals will continue to target energy companies as successful attacks offer hackers an opportunity to create national problems and ignite cyber warfare. So, as companies introduce new digitized operational technologies (OTs), they also face new risks.
As such, energy sector cybersecurity trends heavily focus on overcoming OTs’ vulnerabilities. The technical integration of legacy OT and modern IT systems is a key interest. In addition to building resilient cybersecurity, firms must follow new regulations.
The top energy sector cybersecurity trends include using proactive preventative steps to secure
new technologies and training employees to avoid issues like ransomware. After all, over 88% of successful cyber breaches can be attributed to human error.
2. Transition Towards Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Automation’s growth, particularly in artificial intelligence, is witnessed across virtually all industries. However, its impact on the energy sector is particularly noteworthy. It has been one of the top energy sector trends in 2024 and will continue to gain traction in 2025 and beyond.
Larger organizations in the sector have already adopted AI technologies well, paving the way for mid-level firms to follow suit. With exceptional results, machine learning and artificial intelligence can support field operations and process optimization.
AI utilization can boost energy efficiency in power plants as AI-powered hardware and software can supply power across the value chain more effectively. Likewise, AI tools can identify potential issues before they escalate. In turn, quick maintenance can prevent future downtime.
AI also supports renewable energies through weather forecasting to predict energy generation capabilities. Similarly, AI predictions can highlight consumers’ anticipated demands and consumption levels. Ultimately, teams can then respond to reduce the pressures.
3. Embracing Renewables
As already stated, a massive 40% of workers in the industry are now working in renewables, confirming that this has become one of the key energy sector trends. The demands have never been greater, from embracing wind and solar energy to making “dirty” energy clean.
Renewable energy has played a more prominent role in recent years, accounting for 22.5% of electricity generation in 2023. The figures for 2024 should be even higher, while firms will look to do even more in 2025. Naturally, this will reshape the entire industry.
For starters, organizations must continue to embrace renewable technologies while investments into R&D initiatives within this sector will also soar. Meanwhile, reskilling employees will ensure a smooth road to a carbon-neutral future.
Skills linked to energy efficiency and generation, as well as items like clean vehicles, are supported by a growing trend for increased transparency within renewable energy development. Through supply chain digitization, there should be clear improvements for the industry and its companies.
4. Utilizing The Internet Of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things, also known as IoT, is another tech advancement seen across many industries but has become one of the biggest energy sector trends heading into 2025. Companies will either adopt IoT tech or improve their existing usage.
IoT tech uses sensors to collect and send data from their environment, creating a comprehensive and streamlined operation. An estimated 74% of oil and gas companies already have the facilities. The majority of others will soon follow suit.
The constant transfer of data between devices opens the door to far greater data-driven decisions. However, the constant connectivity also leaves energy companies at potential risk of cyberattacks. So, a focus on IoT is one of the clear energy sector cybersecurity trends.
When handled efficiently, though, IoT can create a private large language model (LLM) to facilitate predictions and data-driven decisions without the threat of breaches. It will transform back-end business operations and, depending on the implementation, client consumption alike.
5. A Growing Reliance On IT In Energy Sector Recruitment
As the industry undergoes one of its biggest transformations, both technologically and in terms of mindset, it is clear that great employees are the heartbeat of its growth. Therefore, mastering recruitment is one of the hottest energy sector trends while IT is the catalyst for success.
For job seekers, the internet is a valuable resource for finding the best jobs. Whether it’s an entry level offshore position or a management role within the renewables sector doesn’t matter. A smarter usage of online communications can help find vacancies and prepare for them.
From an employer’s perspective, IT communications are equally crucial. The adoption of AI and automation can streamline the process by sifting through applications in seconds. Meanwhile, interview processes may be handled via video conferencing and other online interactions.
In addition to helping businesses find the right talent, IT facilities support onboarding. From training materials to automated setups for new employees, it helps new recruits settle faster. Organizations that utilize IT in this way also save valuable time that can be invested elsewhere.
6. Introducing Vehicles To Grid (V2G) Tech
The growing importance of IoT tech is clear across the energy industry. Still, implementation within the electric vehicle (EV) arena is the most noticeable. Subsequently, then, V2G tech is something that all organizations and workers in this field must learn to utilize.
As one of the biggest energy sector trends, V2G tech essentially builds a connection between EVs and the power grid. With EV sales showing an 11% year-on-year growth, this capability of selling power back to the grid will appeal to a growing number of motorists. As well as firms.
V2G tech also supports the grid and drivers alike by helping EV owners charge at lower prices during off-peak times. When they do, it inevitably means that the pressure placed on the grid during peak times is significantly reduced. Therefore, it creates a better situation for all.
With EV technology continuing to dominate the headlines within the industry, V2G is understandably one of the hot energy sector trends. It brings greater flexibility for end users, which ultimately leads to increased stability for companies due to increased efficiency.
7. Using Power-To-X Technologies
Also known as P2X or P2Y, Power-To-X tech deals with electricity conversions, energy storage, and reconversion pathways with the goal of utilizing surplus renewable energy. Whether it’s via power-to-gas or power-to-heat processes, P2X is now a key feature of the industry.
In power-to-gas, for example, surplus energy is turned into hydrogen or synthetic natural gas, primarily for storage or transportation. Power-to-liquid and power-to-chemicals are two other options. Either way, the end goal is to further support the reduction of greenhouse gases.
While technically a subset of the transition towards renewable energy, P2X is one of the big energy sector trends in its own right. It only surfaced in 2016, in Germany, so it’s very much in its infancy in North America. Early adopters stand to see the biggest rewards from it.
The P2X sector is set to show a CAGR of 9.8% leading up to 2033. So, if it’s not already on the radar, it won’t be long. IT workers looking to progress their careers in this field will find that increasing their knowledge of all power-to-X capabilities is a very wise investment.
Incorporating Distributed Energy Resources (DER)
DER is another term that all energy sector workers should familiarize themselves with ASAP. It is the concept of helping consumers or business users create energy, which can then be utilized for their own energy needs or sold back to the grid like in some of the above situations.
While it is one of the hottest energy sector trends, it has existed for a while. Most people will appreciate solar roof panels and how they can be used to generate electricity. But distributed energy resources extend to a host of other products. All require IT in some capacity.
This ranges from the design of infrastructure to the ongoing management of energy transfers. Energy sector cybersecurity trends should also focus on protecting data and energy to deliver a more reliable service to consumers. Organizations simply cannot ignore this responsibility.
DER’s including wind turbines and battery storage systems, can reduce energy costs for consumers and organizations. If that doesn’t underline the need for systems that facilitate them and workers who can build them, perhaps nothing will.
