PUBLISHED DATE: 2025-08-13 13:08:22

2025 Guide to Next: ISSUE 4

5 Trends Shaping the Energy and Commodities Industry in 2025

Introduction

The future is here. As the energy and commodities industry approaches 2025, it faces a dynamic landscape fueled by technological advancements and questions about sustainability. What specifically will organizations face—and how can they set themselves up for success?

AI has dominated headlines over the past few years, and that will not change in 2025. Instead, it will be a pivotal year in which companies will continue to create new use cases for artificial intelligence (AI) focused on efficiency and value for all sectors.

While AI has advanced rapidly in recent years, the development of renewables has not been as robust. As a result, energy and commodities organizations will likely face questions surrounding the integration of renewables and the security of the supply chain.

In 2025, organizations will have to reimagine operations and lean on new strategies to meet these challenges. Digital transformation offers a key way that they can integrate, streamline, and modernize their systems to drive growth and stay resilient in a challenging environment.

Drawing from market research and industry analysis, Publicis Sapient energy and commodities experts break down the top five trends that will shape the industry in 2025.

MAKING THE MOST OF AI

AI is predicted to be worth $4.6 billion. In 2024 Publicis Sapient research, C-suite executives in the industry rated risk management and compliance, and sales, as the two best uses of generative AI for their companies.

"AI was well recognized by 2016 and 2017 in predictive maintenance and well construction building. But it took 3-5 years to build trust in the technology to grab the right data and begin real experimentation with it. Similarly, we expect lots of proofs of concept with generative AI now."
— Boris Leshchinskiy, Associate Managing Director

BOLSTERING THE SUPPLY CHAIN

The energy transition is putting new pressure on the supply chain. As organizations look to decarbonize, they are increasingly reliant on critical minerals and metals, such as copper, lithium, and nickel, to build the infrastructure needed for renewables and electrification. However, supply chain disruptions and shortages of these materials could persist, threatening the pace of the transition.

For example, copper shortages could slow the rollout of renewable energy projects and electric vehicles, as copper is a key component in both. Companies will need to rethink their supply chain strategies, including diversifying suppliers, investing in recycling and circular economy initiatives, and leveraging digital tools for greater transparency and resilience.

EMPOWERING THE RENEWABLES REVOLUTION

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted that by 2025, renewable energy production would outpace coal as the world’s largest source of electricity. But the world has not been meeting its climate goals, and the pace of the renewables revolution has been slower than anticipated.

The renewables revolution is not just about technology—it’s also about economics. As renewables become more cost-competitive, companies must balance their portfolios, incorporating more renewables while maintaining profitability. This will require new business models, innovative financing, and a willingness to experiment with new technologies and partnerships.

The pace of the transition will also depend on government policy. In some regions, policy-driven revolution is accelerating the adoption of renewables, while in others, regulatory uncertainty is slowing progress. Companies will need to stay agile and adapt to a rapidly changing policy landscape.

"Companies must balance their portfolios, incorporating more renewables while maintaining profitability."
— Boris Leshchinskiy, Associate Managing Director

MODERNIZING FOR NEW VALUE

Energy and commodities businesses by and large have a long runway for undertaking cloud transformation projects. In 2024, Publicis Sapient research identified their cloud transformation as “very mature.”

For example, a global agriculture conglomerate’s modernized system improved operations, marketing efforts, and supply planning.

GROWING IN A CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT

The energy and commodities industry is facing a period of uncertainty. Volatility in prices, shifting demand patterns, and the ongoing energy transition are all putting pressure on companies to deliver growth and maintain profit.

In 2023, the world’s largest oil and gas companies reported combined profits of $36 billion, but the outlook for 2025 is less certain. As the industry faces increased scrutiny from investors and regulators, it will become more difficult for companies to justify investments that do not deliver clear returns.

To succeed, organizations will need to focus on capital discipline, operational efficiency, and portfolio optimization. This means being selective about where to invest, divesting non-core assets, and doubling down on areas with the highest potential for growth.

Publicis Sapient helped energy leader RWE transform itself and de-silo its processes with a new strategy that embraced agility.

"Renewable growth is everything. But companies will be very, very surgical in terms of the investments they’re making into it due to capital discipline and questions over profitability."
— Boris Leshchinskiy, Associate Managing Director

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025

For more information, contact: publicissapient.com