The power industry is on the cusp of a seismic shift, driven by the relentless march of automation. A new report from GlobalData, “The Future of Work in Power,” paints a vivid picture of a sector where automation technologies—from robotics and drones to 3D printing—are not just nice-to-haves, but necessities for survival. The message is clear: invest in automation or risk being left in the dust.
The report underscores that automation is set to revolutionise productivity and efficiency. Imagine robots and drones handling the grunt work of operations and maintenance, freeing up human workers for more strategic, revenue-generating tasks. This isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about reallocating human capital to where it can make the most impact. Robotic process automation, for instance, will streamline administrative workflows, automating back-office tasks like compliance reporting and billing. As the report states, “This will free up staff for higher revenue-generating activities like customer engagement.” It’s a win-win: increased efficiency and happier customers.
But the benefits don’t stop at the bottom line. Automation is poised to address one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: the skilled labour shortage. By taking over routine and non-routine menial tasks, autonomous robots, drones, and vehicles will boost productivity and reduce the burden on an already stretched labour force. This isn’t about replacing humans; it’s about augmenting their capabilities. As the report notes, “Automation technologies can perform these tasks more efficiently and accurately, boosting productivity while reducing the burden on a stretched labour force.”
However, the transition won’t be smooth sailing. Job displacement is an inevitable concern, and companies must proactively address it. The report suggests investing in reskilling and upskilling existing workforces to minimise redundancies and ensure a smooth transition to a new digital age. This isn’t just good business; it’s good ethics.
Automation also promises to enhance health and safety in an industry that is “inherently high-risk.” Autonomous robots can perform high-risk maintenance and inspection tasks, reducing human exposure to hazards like electric shocks, high temperatures, and falls from heights. It’s a bold step towards a safer, more secure power industry.
Moreover, automation technologies will play a pivotal role in energy security. Robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles will inspect critical infrastructure, reducing the risk of undetected vulnerabilities that could cause outages. In an era of increasing energy demands and geopolitical tensions, this is a game-changer.
The report’s findings should serve as a wake-up call for power companies. Those that embrace automation will lead the pack, driving innovation, efficiency, and safety. Those that don’t will be left behind, struggling to keep up in a rapidly evolving landscape. The future of work in power is here, and it’s automated. The question is, are you ready to embrace it?
