Some 82% of CEOs in the energy, natural resources and chemicals (ENRC) sector believe that AI can support their emissions reduction and energy efficiency goals, a new study by KPMG has found.
According to KPMG’s 2025 Global Energy, Natural Resources and Chemicals CEO Outlook, sustainability has ‘shifted from corporate responsibility to strategic imperative’ in the ENRC sector, with climate and environmental disruption shaping strategy for 27% of CEOs.
More than three fifths (62%) of respondents said that they are ‘confident’ in meeting their 2030 net-zero goals, however just 38% said that they are fully integrating ESG into capital decisions. More than half admit their ESG strategies are falling short of stakeholder expectations.
The role of AI
In terms of the role that AI can play in driving ESG progress, many respondents cite its ability to monitor energy grids in real time and optimise power flow, with 74% citing its potential to enhance climate risk analytics to better model future scenarios.
Around four fifths (79%), meanwhile, see a role for AI in enhancing sustainability-related data and disclosures. At the same time, however, just over a quarter (26%) said that they feel ‘confident’ in their ESG governance systems.
‘Quicker, smarter and ready for the future’
“This year’s findings show what many in the energy sector already know: big changes are underway. CEOs are rethinking their approach to the energy transition and retraining teams to keep up with the rise of AI, to build a workforce that’s quicker, smarter, and ready for the future,” commented Anish De, global head of energy, natural resources and chemicals, KPMG International.
“Despite the ebbs and flows of sentiments, CEOs recognise that sustainability isn’t just a good to have element in strategy; it’s become non-negotiable, central to how companies operate. With AI and especially agentic AI’s potential to drive real operational gains and help companies reach their sustainability goals faster, the call for stronger governance and oversight will be more important than ever.”
Other findings from the study include that 78% of CEOs in the ENRC sector are confident about their own company’s growth, however this is slightly lower than in previous years, due to concerns over regulatory changes, inflation, and trade volatility.
The report surveyed 1,350 CEOs at companies with combined annual revenues exceeding $500 million, across 11 global markets and 12 industry sectors. Read more here.
