As the global race towards net zero intensifies, digitalisation and automation are emerging as the twin forces redefining infrastructure systems. The Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025 captures how industries worldwide are aligning innovation, investment and policy to accelerate this transition, with India standing out for its strong commitment to reinventing business models through technology-driven transformation. Under this, a global survey of 1,400 senior executives has identified urgent priorities and outlined the path forward for business and government leaders. Globally, the findings show that there has been significant progress towards decarbonisation.
Among Indian organisations, nearly two-thirds (60 per cent) believe that the solution lies in completely reinventing their business models, a bold shift that will demand substantial effort and innovation (compared to a global average of 49 per cent). This will include rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) – for almost two-thirds of respondents in India (61 per cent), AI will transform how businesses operate; more investment in data integration technologies; smart software for grids; and joined-up thinking and greater strategic collaboration between companies, governments and regulators.
In the long-term, the shift from smart to autonomous technology will also gain momentum for both energy grids and buildings. Seemingly, 69 per cent of Indian organisations are already poised to implement autonomous systems in power grids, and over half (51 per cent) are ready to adopt autonomous building technology, with 60 per cent saying the benefits outweigh the costs.
Tech leading to national transformation
Globally, the energy transition is gaining momentum. But as renewable penetration grows, grid resilience becomes critical. In India, stakeholders across the energy sector have realised the scope of this challenge, with industry and government bodies working together on policy frameworks to accelerate technological innovations that can strengthen grid resilience.
This means developing transmission and distribution systems for greater demand and new energy dynamics. Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) see digitalisation as a critical enabler of the energy transition. Technologies that will be key to this shift include digital twins, internet of things-based real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance systems.
India is also ready to take the next step, developing future-ready autonomous grids – systems capable of handling the complexity and speed of modern energy dynamics while lowering operating costs and increasing efficiency and reliability. Reportedly, 69 per cent of Indian organisations believe their region is ready to implement autonomous grid systems.
Through digital tools, the focus is on making operations more sustainable and improving demand forecasting to optimise the energy balance.
Buildings – connecting the dots to decarbonise
Buildings use 32 per cent of global energy and account for 42 per cent of global carbon emissions, making the way we modernise and build them critical to climate mitigation. Momentum is picking up for technologies and strategies for decarbonisation of the built environment.
To formulate an effective strategy, companies must first understand the current energy and emissions impact of their buildings, systems, equipment and appliances, an area where India is lagging behind. In India, 43 per cent of organisations currently report that they have the data they need to make decarbonisation decisions, compared to 50 per cent globally. However, 69 per cent of organisations in India plan to increase investments in data integration technologies.
Across the globe, enthusiasm is growing for the next frontier beyond smart buildings – autonomous buildings that are equipped with advanced AI that can learn on its own and make decisions based on new data. In India, almost two-thirds of respondents said that AI will transform how businesses operate, and, despite fears such as cybersecurity, more than half are ready to adopt autonomous building technology, with 60 per cent saying the benefits outweigh the costs.
The openness to making new and better decisions for the future is there. And the tools to decarbonise buildings already exist.
Industries, working together to overcome uncertainty
The industrial sector – including operations such as steel, cement and chemicals is one of the hardest to decarbonise due to its reliance on high-temperature processes and carbon-intensive inputs. Yet with mounting pressure to cut emissions, businesses are shifting to low-carbon operations without compromising productivity, competitiveness or economic growth.
In India, 57 per cent of respondents believe that their country provides effective support to help decarbonise high-emission industries. Despite the challenges, industrial leaders are turning to digitalisation, from AI and digital twins to demand-side flexibility, to cut emissions, boost performance and manage uncertainty. Globally, more than half (63 per cent) of the respondents see digitalisation as critical to the energy transition. When combined with electrification, on-site energy generation, and storage and closer collaboration with grid operators, these tools can help build more efficient and resilient energy systems for carbon-intensive industrial operators.
In sum
India’s belief in technology as a driver of transformation is evident, across energy, buildings and industrial operations. The challenge now is to scale these solutions, remove barriers and coordinate action across the ecosystem to achieve greater energy independence, faster decarbonisation and a more resilient infrastructure for future generations.