The energy sector is going through major changes. Companies are adding renewables, using real-time data, and relying more on automation and remote operations. These changes are creating new pressure to modernize systems and make faster decisions.
But new technology also brings new challenges. Many control rooms are outdated. Data is growing faster than teams can manage. Cybersecurity risks are increasing. It’s also harder to know which technologies are worth the investment.
In this article, we’ll look at the key challenges energy companies face going into 2026. We’ll also explore the practical innovations helping leaders respond with more speed and confidence.
Outdated control rooms can’t keep up with today’s demands
Many control rooms were built for a time when operations were simpler and more predictable. Back then, there was no need for real-time data or remote access. But today’s systems involve renewables and remote sites with constant data flows, which older systems weren’t designed to handle.
When a control room is outdated, it becomes harder to make quick decisions, avoid downtime, and keep operations running smoothly.
Here are a few common reasons control rooms fall behind:
- They don’t show real-time data from all systems
- There is little or no support for remote monitoring and control
- Interfaces are slow or hard to use
- They can’t connect with newer automation tools
So, how are companies dealing with this?
Many are now choosing to upgrade to smarter control rooms with real-time dashboards, AI support, and remote monitoring, using platforms such as the PI System by AVEVA to unify data from sensors, IIoT devices, and control systems. But what does that actually look like in practice?
Real-time dashboards give operators a real-time view of what’s happening across all their sites. Instead of waiting for updates, they can identify problems as they happen.
AI helps by analyzing trends, predicting equipment issues, and even recommending next steps. It gives operators an early warning when something might go wrong.
And what if your team isn’t on-site? Remote monitoring makes it possible to oversee and control systems from anywhere.
Too much data, not enough clarity
Modern energy systems generate huge volumes of data every second, from sensors, control systems, field devices, and remote assets. That includes temperature readings, voltage levels, equipment status, weather inputs, and more.
But having more data doesn’t always mean better decisions.
What makes this worse today?
- Operations now span across remote sites, renewables, and digital platforms
- Employees rely on multiple systems that don’t always work well together
- Data comes in too fast for manual analysis
So, how are companies turning this data into real value?
They can use advanced analytics and AI to turn high volumes of data into quick, actionable insights for operators. Tools like Uptake plug sensor data and work orders into predictive models to help operators reduce breakdowns, cut costs, and focus on what matters most.
In real operations, it works like this.
- Dashboards bring the most important information to the front
- AI tools group similar alerts and suggest next steps
- Easy-to-read visuals support faster, clearer decision-making
Cyberattacks are a growing threat to energy systems
As energy systems become more digital and connected, they also become more exposed to cyber threats. Control rooms, remote monitoring tools, and IoT devices are all connected to networks and sometimes even the internet. This creates more entry points for attackers.
In recent years, critical infrastructure has become a common target. A successful attack can lead to equipment shutdowns, safety risks, or even large-scale outages.
So what can companies do to protect their systems?
- Build security directly into the control room and SCADA systems
- Use zero-trust architecture, which checks every access request, even inside the network
- Segment networks to prevent an attack from spreading
- Monitor systems in real time to detect suspicious behavior early
- Keep software updated and apply patches regularly
Strong cybersecurity is no longer optional. It’s a key to running safe, reliable energy operations.
It’s getting harder to manage renewables and the grid together
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind play a major role in power generation. But they are not consistent. Solar energy depends on sunlight, and wind depends on the weather. That means the energy supply can rise or fall quickly, sometimes without warning.
Most energy grids were designed for steady, controllable sources like coal or gas. Adding renewables makes it harder to maintain balance across the system.
What issues does this create?
- Energy supply may not match demand at key times
- Sudden shifts in output can lead to instability or outages
- Utilities may need to rely more on costly backup systems
What innovative solutions can help?
- Smart control systems that forecast supply and demand using real-time data
- Automated grid responses that update energy flow instantly
- Battery storage to support the grid when renewables dip
- Weather-integrated software to help operators plan ahead
These innovations make it easier to manage a more flexible energy mix.
There aren’t enough workers with the right digital skills
In the past, control rooms and field operations relied more on mechanical systems and manual tasks. But with the rise of automation and digital platforms, the skill requirements have changed.
What’s causing the gap?
- Many experienced workers are retiring, taking their knowledge with them
- New technologies require digital fluency, not just operational know-how
- Training programs haven’t kept pace with the speed of innovation
To overcome these issues, you can invest in user-friendly automation platforms and training tools like AR/VR to quickly upskill your employees.
These innovations give workers a better way to learn complex systems. With AR/VR training tools, teams can practice real scenarios like operating control systems or responding to alerts without risk. This shortens the learning curve and builds confidence.
At the same time, automation platforms are becoming more user-friendly, so employees don’t need advanced programming skills to use them. Some automation platforms like pipeBOT™ from CruxOCM help to automate complex pipeline control operations such as startups, shutdowns, and flowpath changes reducing manual workload.
Compliance tracking takes too much time and slows down progress
Energy companies are under growing pressure to meet ESG goals and regulatory requirements. From emissions data to safety reports, leaders must prove compliance across operations. But collecting, verifying, and reporting this data is often manual and time-consuming. It takes teams away from more strategic work and slows down overall progress.
What’s the impact on leadership?
- Delays in decision-making due to missing or outdated compliance data
- Increased risk of audits, fines, or reputational damage
- Difficulty showing ESG progress to investors and stakeholders
What innovations are solving this?
Automate ESG and regulatory reporting with built-in tools that work in real time.
Modern platforms can track data across control systems and generate accurate reports instantly. They also alert you when something is out of compliance.
From control rooms to compliance, energy companies are facing real pressure to do more with less. The answers aren’t always big overhauls, they’re often smart fixes, better tools and techniques, and faster thinking. Those who take small but steady steps now will be ready for what’s next.
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