Accenture: Why AI Leadership Can Accelerate Decarbonisation

With the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicting an 80% increase in global energy demand by 2050, the role of AI in achieving decarbonisation goals is becoming critical. 

Aside from transforming HR, decision making, strategy and myriad other board-level issues, AI could also unlock major efficiency and operational gains for the energy sector, reduce costs, enhance supply and lower emissions. 

A recent report from Accenture, “Powered for Change”, sets these potential gains out, demonstrating how businesses can pursue decarbonisation through cost-efficient and AI-driven projects and offering a new perspective for leaders.

Why take a multigenerational approach? 

In the report, Accenture puts forward a multigenerational approach for infrastructure projects. This model encourages companies to look ahead while planning, which could lead to a decrease in cost over time.

According to Accenture, up to 75% of current decarbonisation plans are centered on short-term projects that deliver immediate results. The consulting firm suggests this focus can increase both cost and risk in the long term.

A multigenerational approach involves developing products, services or technologies once, with subsequent projects improving upon the last iteration.

This strategy uses a flexible, repeatable design that can be continually upgraded. This could lower costs and allow more resources to be allocated to low-carbon solutions.

Leveraging AI in a digital world

A core theme in the report is the need for companies to establish a strong digital presence. Accenture states that “many industrial decarbonisation efforts stall due to outdated, fragmented digital systems that fail to capture and apply continuous learning across projects.”

By integrating AI, companies can help automate processes, optimise operations and accelerate their decarbonisation efforts. Accenture encourages businesses to build digital ecosystems that improve workforce collaboration and increase regulatory and ESG compliance.

The use of AI agents can automate decision-making, forecast risks and create fewer project delays leading to greater project success rates.

Stephanie Jamison, Sustainability Services Lead at Accenture, says: “Our research shows that bold reinvention changes the economics of decarbonisation. 

“Companies can drastically reduce capital expenditure across iterations. And AI and gen AI can amplify its effects by capturing learnings across projects and delivering exponential returns.”

Delivering ecosystem-wide decarbonisation

Accenture claims that short-term procurement contributes to inefficiencies within organisations’ supply chains. 

A proposed solution is the development of resilient supply chains, which can enable the implementation of clean energy infrastructure without disruptions or cost spikes.

The report suggests companies can build long-term supply chain partnerships through strategic investments. This is expected to result in a 30-50% cost reduction over successive projects alongside more reliable and efficient operations.

The report also recommends that companies advocate for and invest in local manufacturing hubs to increase the predictability of their supply and limit geopolitical risk. 

According to Accenture, this can bring competitive advantages across project portfolios.

As Stephanie explains: “The journey to net zero demands more than one breakthrough. It calls for sustained progress over generations of build that substantially improves the business case.”