Electrification is key to net zero, but faces roadblocks: report

While 65% of energy sector executives agree that electrification is the most feasible way to achieve net zero energy systems, 73% report that it is being held back by inadequate grid infrastructure.

This is according to recent research from Siemens, which surveyed 1400 global executives for its biennial ‘Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025’ report.

In tackling the obstacles to electrification, over 70% of survey respondents believed that digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and grid software, were essential to enabling the clean energy transition. Such technology supports the integration of renewables, transition to electrification and optimisation of energy efficiency — all of which are key to reducing fossil fuel usage.

59% of energy industry leaders were planning major investments in autonomous systems for grids, with 68% viewing them as crucial for cutting emissions. Nearly three-quarters (72%) said that, over the next three years, AI will transform how their business operates, and 74% believed AI was helping to make critical infrastructure more resilient.

Respondents indicated that the most likely outcomes from increased use of autonomous systems to manage power grids were lower operating costs, increased energy efficiency and greater reliability. However, over half of companies in the energy sector (58%) said uncertainty about future energy system design was delaying investment in clean energy technologies.

“Outdated grid infrastructure poses a serious threat to the clean energy transition,” said Sabine Erlinghagen, CEO of Siemens Grid Software.

“By harnessing digital technologies to move towards autonomous grids, it is possible to boost grid capacity, ensuring its reliability and resilience. To that end, regulation must also keep pace with digitalisation and innovation — ensuring that our energy systems are equipped to meet the demands of a clean energy future.”

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