Concluding remarks

It is a pivotal moment for UK energy networks, who must deliver a net-zero electricity grid within the next decade, while faced with acute resourcing issues – both personnel and supply chain-wise. Energy firms are struggling to attract both the talent they need inhouse and the experienced contractors and partners to deliver the infrastructure required, who are becoming more selective in who they choose to work with. At the same time, ongoing economic and geopolitical tensions are stretching supply chains further and delaying wait times for critical materials.

For once, increasing capital investment is not the answer, with billions of pounds already being pumped into the network to help deliver net-zero infrastructure. Instead, technology has a key role here – in encouraging new talent to consider a career in energy, helping to train and reskill existing workforces with technologies like AI and VR, and in helping project teams to deliver better project management, through common data environments (CDE).

From conversations with energy experts and our own critical infrastructure clients, we know that increased adoption of digital tools and technology is a top priority, if more critical infrastructure projects are to be delivered on time and to budget. With the transition from austerity to a focus on delivering ambitious projects comes a responsibility to invest in technology where it makes best sense to do so, and so here are three core areas where I believe energy firms should focus their attention first.

• Standardise design and specification to drive better supply chain management Suppliers are becoming more selective in who they choose to work with, which in turn is necessitating improved project planning. If energy firms can standardise their design and procurement approaches and provide ‘kits’ as packages, they can streamline processes and position themselves as ‘clients of choice’ to key contractors and delivery partners.
• Exchange digital information more efficiently with BIM To enhance project efficiency, energy firms must turn their attention to new system planning tools and the transition to BIM, or digital information modelling (DIM), as one debate participant suggested it should more accurately be referred to. Key to this is sharing data best practice and interoperability. This not only ensures that data can be shared between teams more efficiently, it also helps avoid costly errors related to scope change or version control.
• Attract new recruits and reskill existing workforces with emerging technologies The energy industry is struggling with something of an image crisis, with many of the next generation of workers failing to see the appeal of a career in the sector. Firms are also competing with adjacent industries for top talent. But emerging technologies such as AI and VR can help to attract people into the industry by making it a more dynamic, exciting environment to work in. Applying these technologies to training programmes can also help develop existing workforces’ skills in real time.

Autodesk is ready to be a partner in your digital transformation journey. Speak to us to find out how smart use of data can improve project efficiency, collaboration, and quality across your teams – and ultimately help to drive innovation, improve sustainability and maximise customer satisfaction.

Learn more at:

autodesk.com/uk-critical-infrastructure