65% of CEOs in the energy, natural resources and chemicals sector identify artificial intelligence as a key investment area, and 66% expect a return on AI-related spending within one to three years. At the same time, 72% plan to allocate 10% to 20% of their investment budgets to AI development in their companies over the next 12 months. Although industry leaders operate amid geopolitical tensions and growing regulatory pressure, most of them expect growth—both in the global economy and in their own organizations—over the next three years. These conclusions come from the report “KPMG CEO Outlook 2025: Energy, Natural Resources and Chemicals.”
CEOs in the energy, natural resources and chemicals sector report greater optimism than a year ago, but their approach to growth is selective and cautious. Operational stability, cost control and a review of the investment portfolio are becoming top priorities. Expansion is expected to be built on solid fundamentals and predictable cash flows.
At the same time, short-term board decisions are increasingly shaping supply chain resilience, the rollout of AI-driven solutions and rising climate risks. 27% of CEOs in the sector point to climate-related phenomena as a significant factor influencing strategy—the highest result among the industries analyzed in the overall study.
Poland’s perspective: parallel technological and energy transformation
In Poland, the energy, natural resources and chemicals sector is currently undergoing an intense transformation. Polish companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of AI, digitalization and transformational initiatives as pillars of competitiveness, yet the scale of the challenges remains high. The domestic market still relies on high-emission infrastructure and requires major modernization investment, which increases cost and regulatory pressure.
Particular attention should be paid to cybersecurity, as the sector is classified in European regulations as highly critical. In this context, the relationship between management boards, IT teams and those responsible for operational technology (OT) must move toward a unified standard aligned with the NIS2 Directive. Cybersecurity processes will also involve people who have so far been responsible for business continuity, physical security and network stability.
At the same time, the sector must face business, cost and investment pressure, because cybersecurity—like the energy transition—requires long-term spending on infrastructure modernization and the development of digital capabilities, while simultaneously building operational resilience, says Anna Szczodra, Co-Managing Partner, Legal Counsel and leader of energy-sector advisory in Poland and EMA at KPMG Law.
AI as a source of efficiency and competitive advantage
Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in the long-term strategies of companies in these industries. 65% of CEOs in the energy, natural resources and chemicals sector identify AI as a key investment priority, and 66% expect a rapid return on investment.
AI supports the optimization of operational processes, real-time data analysis and investment decision-making. In capital-intensive sectors, even a small improvement in efficiency can translate into a measurable impact on margins and cash flows.
Skills transformation and the labor market
Technological change is clearly affecting employment structures. 40% of CEOs in the energy, natural resources and chemicals sector are actively redesigning roles most exposed to automation, while 72% are focusing on upskilling employees. Developing capabilities in data analysis, digital systems management and the use of AI in industrial environments is becoming a prerequisite for further growth.
At the same time, the sector faces demographic challenges, shortages of qualified workers and widening generational gaps in future skills.
ESG: strong declarations, implementation challenges
72% of sector leaders declare that they integrate sustainability into corporate strategy, yet only 38% fully incorporate ESG into capital allocation decisions. More than half of respondents admit that the strategies being implemented are not keeping pace with stakeholder expectations.
This means that a key challenge in the coming years will be integrating environmental goals with financial models and using technology—including AI—to monitor emissions, optimize energy consumption and improve reporting quality.
About the report
The report is part of the eleventh edition of the global “KPMG CEO Outlook” study, conducted among 1,350 CEOs across 11 strategic markets between 5 August and 10 September 2025. The sector report is based on responses from 110 CEOs in the energy, natural resources and chemicals industry, representing organizations with annual revenues exceeding USD 500 million.
