The sector is urgently rolling out new capital projects to meet increasing demand for renewable energy. Digitising these projects from day one sets them up for long-term success.
Energy providers are constantly balancing the immediate pressures of network reliability with the longer-term need to expand capacity.
To succeed, these providers must unlock significant efficiencies, utilise their workforce more effectively, recruit new talent, and innovate in the design and execution of capital projects to ensure compliance with strict regulations and community impact requirements – all at an accelerated pace.
Attracting a new generation of talent
A digital-first approach can drive innovation within energy organisations while building long-term resilience.
A recent Autodesk study revealed that attracting and retaining talent is the third biggest challenge faced by utilities, with 59 per cent of business leaders reporting that lack of access to skilled talent is a barrier to their company’s growth.
However, many respondents that considered themselves to be digitally mature reported improved talent acquisition and retention as a benefit of their digital transformation.
This longitudinal study also highlighted that the sector’s leaders in general are feeling less prepared for future macroeconomic and geopolitical changes compared to 2024 – however, those at digitally mature organisations felt better prepared to handle unforeseen changes.
These companies are more likely to have increased investment in the past three years and experience above average performance.
By digitising every step of their processes, energy providers can gather the data necessary to future-proof their organisations, and regardless of where they stand on the digitisation journey, Autodesk is equipped to assist – from asset design through installation and operation.
A standardised digital approach across the supply chain enables efficient collaboration, better control over costs and timelines, and equips teams with the information needed to optimise every stage of infrastructure delivery. Ultimately, digitisation enhances operational efficiency and helps attract and retain talent.
Adopting a digital-first approach
More than a third of respondents in Autodesk’s study cited cost control and management as a major challenge for the sector – and as supply chains fluctuate, the risk of budget blow-outs only increases.
Interestingly, digitally mature utilities were 65 per cent more likely to diversify their supply chains – giving them a significant edge when it comes to resilience.
Critical energy projects also often involve numerous stakeholders and diverse solutions, and with so many moving parts, success hinges on strong collaboration. Utilising a common data environment (CDE) means centralising all project information, eliminating isolated silos, and promoting collaborative work with both internal and external stakeholders. This single source of truth standardises data from varied sources, enabling interoperability, controlling access and versions, and reducing file conversions throughout the project lifecycle.
As even minor adjustments to a capital project can lead to missed targets or escalated expenses, providing each stakeholder with visibility into project-level data enables optimal decision-making at key project moments, ensuring work is completed on time and within budget. The ability to automate real-time analyses of projects allows for risk mitigation and rapid, clear communication of changes across project teams.
Better outcomes for all
Sustainability has become embedded in every aspect of the sector, and digitisation is paving the way.
Digital tools and collaborative ecosystems can enhance design, engineering, and manufacturing processes, driving more sustainable outcomes – and AI was reported as the top enabler of sustainability in Autodesk’s 2025 State of Design & Make stud.
Through advanced design, visualisation and simulation, components and systems can be re-engineered to optimise material usage, reduce environmental impact and lower operational carbon footprints.
Because a centralised platform can connect all relevant stakeholders in a project, it also enables proactive safety management. This streamlines risk assessments, automates safety inspections, and ensures proper training and emergency preparedness. Actionable insights from the platform can help prevent incidents and ensure regulatory compliance.
Similarly, a dynamic digital model – or digital twin – of an asset network provides crucial data across all stages of an asset’s lifecycle. At the handover to asset management, an aggregated model linked to all project documentation can be integrated into connected systems. This forms the foundation of a digital twin, enabling operational readiness from day one.
By having single source of truth and comprehensive digital platform, energy providers can also reduce the risk of rework and compensation events.
With accurate data, obstacles in cost, materials and constructability can be prevented. Trend assessments can identify gaps early, preventing cost overruns or delays. This also minimises disagreements over monetising errors.
As regulatory obligations continue to evolve, data is set to play a crucial role in protecting organisations against compliance risks.
The complexity of regulatory frameworks makes it challenging to track every detail; but digitising data across the supply chain ensures accountability to energy regulators by storing and managing all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory documentation in a centralised system.
Australia needs new renewable infrastructure now, and there’s no time to delay. By standardising data management systems and approaches across the ecosystem of delivery partners, the energy sector can increase efficiency, reduce errors and rework – and deliver these critical capital projects on time.
Adopting a digital approach from the very beginning also establishes a foundation of high-quality data for future projects, allowing key insights to be carried forward.
The power of collaboration
Just as the delivery these major projects depends on collaboration between stakeholders, the team at Autodesk know first-hand that a successful digital transformation calls for more than just a supplier of technology – the sector needs a partner who can take that journey with them.
Autodesk provides full digital continuity with the right data at every stage of an asset’s lifecycle – from initial design and construction to ongoing operation and maintenance.
Whether the scope of a project spans internal departments or includes external partners, Autodesk’s goal is to enable stakeholders to collaborate efficiently and effectively to ensure your project is delivered on time and on budget. Its solutions are design to offer a seamless flow of information and support long-term asset performance and reliability. Autodesk also supports interoperability standards, facilitating smooth collaboration, data exchange and project coordination, reducing friction and enhancing productivity.
For more than a decade, Autodesk has been pioneering advanced AI to help the industry achieve more with less – and Autodesk is continuously advancing its AI offering to enhance user experience in thinking, creating and innovating.
The sustainability of the energy sector is a shared commitment, and Autodesk is keen to not only play its part, but help its partners advance sustainable business practices and support employees to make positive impacts.
By empowering designers and makers, Autodesk helps you achieve sustainability goals and comply with environmental regulations.
Autodesk knows just what it takes to support energy providers as they navigate multiple priorities in a dynamic market. From transitioning to renewable energy sources to modernising infrastructure and integrating advanced AI technologies, the company’s extensive portfolio of solutions is purposefully designed to empower the sector to meet these challenges.
This deep understanding of the energy sector is what makes Autodesk your partner in digital transformation.
For more information, visit the Autodesk website.
