5 tech trends for the energy and resources sector in 2026

2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for utilities, oil and gas, chemicals, and metals and mining companies. This sector is under pressure to cut costs, improve safety, and deliver reliability and affordability for the energy and essential commodities the world depends on – all while navigating rapid technological change. The winners will be those that get AI-ready, innovate toward AI in context, secure and govern their information, and simplify IT to drive efficiency. Here are five trends that will define the year ahead.

Trend #1: Getting AI-Ready Starts with Trusted Data

According to Accenture, 74% of executives say AI’s full potential depends on a trusted information foundation for transformation. For energy and resources companies, that foundation begins with technology and services that discover and prepare data, enforce governance, and embed compliance guardrails. Connecting the right data from ERP, EAM, GIS, PI, APM, supply chain, and content systems ...