The energy transition is a crucial global process to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. In this context, technology plays a fundamental role, acting as a catalyst for significant changes in current and future energy systems.
Technology has driven significant advancements in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. Innovations such as more efficient solar panels, higher-capacity wind turbines, and improved energy storage techniques have made these sources more accessible and competitive. The implementation of energy efficiency technologies in buildings, industries, and transportation has reduced consumption and carbon emissions. Smart energy management systems, LED lighting, and electric vehicles are already transforming this reality.
Although the costs of renewable technologies have decreased, significant economic challenges remain in some regions. The transition requires an extensive upgrade of existing infrastructure to support new technologies and business models. This includes adapted power grids, charging stations for electric vehicles, and energy storage infrastructure. Moreover, strong investments in information technology will be essential to drive productivity gains and energy efficiency across the entire value chain, ultimately leading to a cleaner energy matrix.
The oil and gas (O&G) industry currently supplies about 80% of the primary energy consumed worldwide. As such, its carbon-based products are major contributors to climate change. In this regard, Information Technology plays a crucial role in enabling the industry’s energy transition across its entire value chain, from exploration and production to refining, transportation, and commercialization.
Its contribution lies in energy monitoring and management, the integration of renewable energy and fuels, the development of smart grids, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) alongside technologies such as IoT, big data, and analytics. These technologies enable parameter measurement across the value chain, large-scale energy storage, modeling and simulation, and the development and implementation of solutions that enhance productivity and energy efficiency.
A study by the Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE) indicates that the energy transition will not progress without the O&G industry incorporating new reserves and increasing oil and natural gas production. This incorporation must occur in a way that does not emit CO₂ as it currently does—either by minimizing the carbon intensity of its products (e.g., replacing coal and oil with hydrogen and natural gas) or by capturing and storing the CO₂ present in the waste of its products.
It is evident that Information Technology is a fundamental tool in the global energy transition, providing innovative solutions to the environmental and economic challenges faced by modern society. By driving the development of renewable energy, improving efficiency, and digitizing energy systems—whether through existing technologies or through research, development, and innovation that incorporate new technologies—it fosters a more sustainable energy future while opening new opportunities for economic growth and social development.
*Paulo Barreiros is an Oil & Gas Business Consultant at Instituto de Pesquisas ELDORADO, a leading research, development, and innovation center in Brazil.
