Global energy leaders from various sectors, including power and utilities, oil and gas, and mining, are leveraging the power of data and AI to streamline workflows, enhance operating systems, and optimize asset performance. This transformation enables companies to empower their workforce and drive sustainable business growth. We are prioritizing this effort with our customers and partners, as we believe that widespread AI adoption represents a significant shift in the energy industry, offering substantial value through digital and AI transformation. Moreover, AI can facilitate the expansion of renewable energy sources, decarbonize the energy value chain, and foster climate innovation, ultimately benefiting everyone.

We are looking forward to participating in CERAWeek 2025, which will take place from March 10 to 14, 2025. This event brings together business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from the global energy ecosystem to explore the theme “Moving ahead: energy strategies for a complex world.” The conference will cover a range of topics across energy sectors and technologies, including geopolitics, business strategies, AI transformation, and climate impact.

Microsoft at CERAWeek

Power the new energy future with AI.

AI innovation and digital transformation in energy

Across the energy ecosystem, AI-powered solutions are driving global success stories, where companies like Maaden save thousands of hours of worktime, while Aydem Energy enhances customer satisfaction with a digital assistant powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. Another leading customer, JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company, utilizes Azure OpenAI to drive digital transformation, accessing advanced AI tools and cloud infrastructure to facilitate innovation and develop new energy solutions.

At CERAWeek, leaders from our energy, sustainability, cloud, and AI teams will share perspectives on the role of AI and digital technologies in the energy sector. We will discuss topics such as carbon capture, emissions reduction, and the impact of AI and cloud solutions on the energy landscape, driving net-zero goals across the energy value chain. We will also explore the latest developments in innovative services like direct air capture and CO₂ as a service.

Cybersecurity is another pressing concern, particularly in the power and utilities sector. Throughout the week, we will discuss AI-powered approaches to securing grid infrastructure and addressing vulnerabilities to ensure resilient energy delivery. We will also participate in a fireside chat with other power and utilities leaders to explore how AI adoption can help grid operators overcome common industry roadblocks and drive faster, more secure innovation.

I look forward to participating in a Strategic Roundtable conversation on “AI Applications and Impacts in Action,” where we will discuss the challenges and opportunities of AI in driving sustainable business initiatives. These conversations are both inspiring and insightful, as we witness the impact of AI across the industry, whether it’s Uniper strengthening cybersecurity, Petrobras streamlining employee workflows, or Enerjisa Uretim accelerating data processing for improved decision-making.

Startups accelerate AI transformation and the energy transition

The climate crisis affects everyone, and diversity in the startup ecosystem ensures that solutions reach everyone. People of color are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet they receive less than 1.5% of total United States venture capital funding. Energy startups are a tremendous source of knowledge and innovation, driving real impact across the industry. Transformation starts with people, not technology, and Microsoft is proud to support climate technology from underrepresented startups and CEOs.

This year, we will hear from nine innovative startups sharing their unique perspectives on advancing diversity and inclusion in energy and securing reliable and sustainable energy sources. Microsoft is committed to empowering organizations to innovate for a new energy future and advance sustainability goals with AI that can be trusted.

Partnership, collaboration, and AI innovation in energy

The energy industry’s biggest challenges require strategic collaboration and innovation across sectors and geographies. Our partners are at the forefront of accelerating data modernization and AI innovation, improving safety, efficiency, and productivity for the industry. You can hear from many of them at this year’s Innovation Agora, a marketplace buzzing with energy innovation and emerging technologies.

At the Microsoft Agora House, we will share ways to empower an AI-first energy workforce, operate for a secure and efficient energy future, advance net-zero journeys, and grow sustainable and AI-powered businesses. Be sure to explore the Microsoft Experience Zone, featuring presentations from many partners that showcase transformative solutions and foster insightful discussions on energy innovation.

We are honored to highlight many of the change-makers attending CERAWeek with us this year, including the following partners:

*Microsoft startup partner

Power an AI-first energy future

Together with our customers and partners, we are empowering organizations to innovate for a new energy future and advance sustainability goals with AI that can be trusted. We look forward to engaging with you on the future of carbon markets, regional energy challenges, the latest developments in consumer energy, and unlocking AI to transform the energy and resources value chain.

Learn how Microsoft can help accelerate your AI and digital transformation journey:

Source:

¹McKinsey and Company, Underrepresented start-up founders: The untapped opportunity, June 2023.

Darryl Willis

Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Energy and Resources Industry

Darryl leads a global team driving digital transformation across the energy sector through the deployment of Microsoft’s cloud and AI technology and partner solutions. With a deep knowledge of the global energy sector, Darryl leads this cross-functional team in building strategic partnerships and helping enable the energy transition, reduce carbon emissions, and fulfill growing demand with renewable sources.

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