Energy optimization

The Microsoft Intelligent Manufacturing Award 2026 recognizes pioneering AI-driven digital industrial solutions transforming manufacturing operations across the EMEA region.Award winners include companies such as Krones, tesa, Luxottica, Tetra Pak, Kongsberg Digital, AUMOVIO, Erbe Elektromedizin, and others, employing Microsoft technologies to optimize and digitize their manufacturing processes.These AI solutions include AI-powered digital twins, modular AI platforms for energy management, digital product passports, unified smart factory platforms, and AI-powered clinical evidence mining.The projects demonstrate measurable impact such as faster decision making, improved resilience and sustainability, cost reduction, enhanced productivity, and automation across various manufacturing operations.

KronesManufacturing

Leading Korean firms such as LG Electronics, SK Innovation, Hanwha, and Hanwha Qcells have implemented agentic AI solutions built on Microsoft Azure to transform operations, boost collaboration, and accelerate R&D in manufacturing and energy sectors.LG Electronics' HS division developed the CHATDA platform powered by Azure OpenAI—classifying questions, generating code, and automating responses, leading to improved product quality and faster R&D cycles.SK Innovation deployed an Azure-based generative AI platform that automates document analysis, data processing, and reporting in refining and petrochemical operations, integrating Power Automate, Azure OpenAI, and Teams for efficient workflows.Hanwha rolled out Copilot Studio-based departmental AI agents, automating management reporting and compliance processes and evolving these into autonomous multi-agent systems.Hanwha Qcells integrated AI and IoT solutions using Azure AI, Power Platform, and Fabric for real-time energy optimization and grid service predictions, realizing energy cost and carbon emissions reductions.Across these cases, adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot and Power Platform fostered collaboration, workforce upskilling, and a culture of AI innovation.

Multiple leading energy companies in France and globally have implemented Microsoft Fabric's Real-Time Intelligence and Digital Twin Builder to modernize electric grid load balancing. Traditional legacy systems were unable to respond effectively to rapidly fluctuating demand and supply. The new solution continuously ingests high-velocity sensor data from the electric grid, modeling the network in real time with digital twins. Predictive analytics and AI-powered automation now trigger teams’ alerts and dynamic grid optimizations. The solution also enables proactive maintenance and better supports decarbonization goals, with reduced outages and operational costs, improved reliability, and rapid insights driving adaptive grid management.

Multiple energy companiesEnergy & Utilities

Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's largest banking group, optimized real estate and facility operations using Microsoft Azure technologies and ICONICS solutions. The initiative involved creating a 'digital twin' framework powered by Azure IoT Hub, Azure Data Factory, and Power BI to enable proactive, data-driven management of the bank’s 40 million square feet of assets. The solution improved operational efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and cut annual costs. These enhancements were accompanied by the establishment of a specialized team named Data Control Room Immobiliare (DCRI), focusing on innovation in IoT systems and AI applications.

Intesa SanpaoloReal Estate

Vestas, a wind energy leader, has implemented Microsoft Azure and .NET for their Vestas Turbine Simulator and Climate Library. The Turbine Simulator processes vast volumes of data like atmospheric conditions and turbine specifics to determine optimal turbine configurations. The Climate Library stores historical geospatial climate data to provide insights into weather patterns, helping optimize energy output. Transitioning from on-premises computing to Azure, Vestas achieves efficiency, scalability, and cost reduction. Azure’s cloud capabilities allowed them to utilize up to 400,000 CPU cores, speeding up development cycles and compute-intensive processes, critical for driving renewable energy innovations.

VestasEnergy & Utilities

Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation for energy management and automation, launched the One Digital Grid Platform to address mounting challenges in the utilities sector. Built on Microsoft Azure, the platform employs AI for real-time insights, predictive analytics, and automation while ensuring the cybersecurity of grid operations. The system is designed to modernize infrastructures to handle higher electricity demand, to better integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) like EV charging or rooftop solar, and to ensure resilience against extreme weather events.The One Digital Grid Platform offers an interoperable solution that integrates mission-critical software into a secure and scalable ecosystem. Utilities benefit from real-time data insights, faster DER integration, automation of operational processes, and robust cybersecurity. The platform's architecture allows for plug-and-play integration with software from partners such as Esri and Uplight, enabling broader functionality such as asset management, grid flexibility, and enhanced customer engagement.Schneider Electric has partnered with Microsoft to leverage Azure’s hybrid cloud foundation, combining over 30 years of grid expertise with innovative digital technology. In addition, the investment in supporting energy and AI sectors within the US reflects a commitment to supporting regional growth.

Schneider ElectricEnergy & Utilities

Companies like Uniper and Emirates Global Aluminum leverage Azure's adaptive Cloud for uniform IT-OT integration, enhanced performance, and scalable AI automation. AI techniques deployed on Azure Databricks and Azure IoT Hub improved energy reliability and predictive maintenance.

Multiple energy companiesEnergy & Utilities

DHL, a global logistics leader, transformed its last-mile delivery operations through the deployment of a dynamic, AI-powered route optimization system. Confronted by soaring B2C trade, unpredictable demand surges, and rising customer expectations for real-time tracking and flexible delivery options, DHL moved beyond manual, static route planning. The new system integrates real-time GPS, traffic, and weather data with predictive AI algorithms hosted in the cloud (inferred to be Azure). It enables live adjustments for up to 120 stops per route and automates volume forecasting with remarkable accuracy. Customer-facing features like 'Follow My Parcel' offer unprecedented delivery flexibility, while AI analytics refine logistics and resource allocation. The improvements led to dramatic gains—on-time delivery rates jumped to 95%, fuel and maintenance costs fell, and customer satisfaction soared. The architecture supports adaptability, operational scaling, and seamless integration with existing TMS and ERP systems. DHL demonstrates how advanced AI and analytics can optimize logistics for cost, efficiency, and customer loyalty.

DHLLogistics

Siemens has embedded Microsoft Azure AI into its energy management systems to drive real-time assessment of energy consumption. Leveraging the technology, Siemens aims to improve operational efficiencies and align with their global sustainability goals. This implementation showcases their commitment to adopt advanced AI solutions and combat environmental challenges, particularly in the energy sector.

SiemensEnergy & Utilities

Hyundai has deployed an AI-enhanced vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system in South Korea, leveraging Microsoft AI capabilities to address energy sustainability challenges alongside growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The solution utilizes artificial intelligence to forecast energy demand, optimize charging and discharging schedules, and direct EV-stored energy back to the grid during peak periods. This supports both grid stability and renewable energy integration. Microsoft technologies, including advances in AI (with references to Copilot), underpin predictive analytics, real-time data processing, and cloud integration in the ecosystem. The system creates value for EV owners by enabling cost savings through smart charging strategies and boosts the resiliency of the South Korean power grid. Hyundai’s initiative demonstrates leadership in sustainable mobility by harnessing distributed energy assets for greater efficiency and environmental impact.

ISS, a global leader in facility management, is collaborating with Microsoft to digitally transform the hybrid workplace experience. By integrating ISS's operational data from its Workplace App with Microsoft Places—an AI-powered connected workplace application within Microsoft 365—the solution enables coordination of in-person and hybrid teams, optimization of physical spaces, and efficient resource allocation. The deployment focuses on using AI and aggregated data to help employers make smarter decisions about workplace and building management. The innovation aims to enhance both employee experiences and sustainability, supporting tailored and collaborative work environments. This real-world deployment leverages digital and operational expertise to address the complex challenges employers face in the new hybrid work reality.

ISSProfessional Services

Siemens partners with Microsoft to apply AI technologies aimed at efficient energy management across industrial operations. This collaboration focuses on using advanced machine learning algorithms to predict industrial energy needs and optimize power usage, streamlining processes and reducing costs while adhering to environmental targets.

SiemensManufacturing

General Electric integrates Microsoft AI capabilities to optimize energy consumption and enhance environmental sustainability across its operations. AI analyzes data collected from equipment to identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements, leading to lower costs and reduced environmental impact. This initiative demonstrates GE's use of advanced technologies to drive operational efficiency and sustainability.

General ElectricEnergy & Utilities

College Pierre de Ronsard in Mer, France, faced challenges maintaining consistent classroom temperatures despite modern insulation. In collaboration with Vertuoz (ENGIE), the school deployed IoT sensors in every room and remote radiator controls to optimize comfort via automated, real-time adjustments. The system collects data from sensors to detect temperature and occupancy, which is processed through Azure IoT and machine learning models on the Microsoft cloud. The AI-driven solution adapts settings for each building zone, lowering heat in unoccupied rooms and maintaining comfortable levels when occupied, while also adjusting ventilation. Initially focused on improving comfort rather than saving energy, the system ultimately achieved significant energy cost reductions. This scalable approach has since expanded to 350+ other French public buildings, with reduced CO2 emissions and quick payback of implementation costs.

College Pierre de RonsardEducation

Emirates Health Services (EHS) has successfully implemented the Digital Twin project at Al Qassimi Hospital, partnering with Microsoft and Schneider Electric. This pioneering initiative leverages AI-driven digital twin technology to focus on sustainability, reduce the carbon footprint, and optimize energy usage within health facilities. The project resulted in a 30% reduction in energy consumption and a decrease in maintenance needs by 20%. It also aids in monitoring energy patterns, detecting modernization opportunities, and integrating renewable energy sources like solar power into traditional electricity grids to enhance sustainability and system stability. EHS aims to shape the future of healthcare through advanced innovative approaches aligning with UAE’s sustainable development goals.

Emirates Health ServicesHealthcare

AGL, a leading Australian energy company, leveraged Microsoft Azure Machine Learning, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Databricks to optimize its energy operations. Facing challenges in forecasting energy demand, procurement for power plants, and enhancing customer experience, AGL established a Center of Excellence for analytics and machine learning. The team implemented scalable pipelines for on-demand model training, streamlined MLOps, deployment, model hosting, and monitoring. The unified solution enabled data engineers and data scientists to collaborate more efficiently, fostering sustainable business value and data-driven decision-making. AGL’s deployment resulted in increased operational speed and reduced costs, helping deliver greater value to both the business and its customers.The implemented architecture supports thousands of parallel models and encompasses end-to-end management of both models and code. Automated deployments and monitoring allow the organization to continually refine and improve its solutions, with outcomes including faster insights and lower total cost of ownership. The successful transition has enabled a more agile and innovative approach to business challenges in the increasingly digital energy sector.

AGLEnergy & Utilities

Repsol, a leading Spanish energy company, has expanded its long-term collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate its digital transformation and advance sustainability in the energy sector. The renewed partnership includes deeper integration of Microsoft Azure AI, IoT, Microsoft 365, Teams, and Power Platform across Repsol’s operations. Focus areas include digitalization to support autonomous systems, energy efficiency, employee productivity, and the development of advanced energy solutions like biofuels and energy storage. Repsol is also providing renewable energy to Microsoft in Spain and Europe, supporting both organizations' Net Zero emissions targets. The digitization initiative aims to generate more than €800 million in annual impact, leveraging cloud and AI technology to transform business processes and promote safer, more efficient operations. These measures align with Repsol’s Strategic Plan 2021-2025 and their target of net zero emissions by 2050.

RepsolEnergy & Utilities

BuildingMinds, backed by Schindler, uses Microsoft Azure to foster sustainability in facility management. By incorporating machine learning and AI, their platform creates real-time digital twins for properties. These digital twins optimize resource use and aid in achieving net-zero CO2 emissions with insights into energy consumption and sustainability across managed properties.

BuildingMindsTech & Comms

Accenture, Microsoft, and Avanade collaborated to support the UK’s energy sector in its transition to a low-carbon electricity system, involving SSE Renewables. The initiative addresses the critical challenge of reducing the cost and complexity of decarbonizing electricity supply and demand, in alignment with the UK’s net-zero carbon targets. Microsoft Azure cloud, Azure AI, Industrial Internet of Things, Azure Digital Twins, and Azure Data Analytics technologies were deployed to optimize renewable energy operations, create digital twins of physical assets, and improve supply-demand balancing.One major result is the reduction of renewable generation costs, improvement in asset reliability, the use of AI and drones for remote asset inspection, and better management of system balancing for electricity supply and demand. The platform also empowers connected workers in the energy industry by enabling digital collaboration, increased productivity, and improved safety. The project is foundational in enabling a zero-carbon UK electricity grid and creates a path for further digital transformation of the utility sector, providing substantial contributions to the UK’s sustainability goals.

RWE RenewablesEnergy & Utilities

Vattenfall and Microsoft jointly deployed a 24/7 renewable energy matching solution for Microsoft’s Swedish datacenter regions. The innovation uses Azure IoT Central and Power BI to track energy consumption and match it in real-time with renewable generation on an hourly basis, setting a new benchmark for transparency and efficiency in sustainable datacenter operations. This first-in-kind commercial system monitors renewable Guarantees of Origin (GOs), allowing Microsoft to ensure that its Swedish operations will be powered 100% by renewable energy by 2025 and accelerating progress toward carbon-negative goals by 2030. The solution provides actionable data for operational efficiency and supports regulatory evolution in energy tracking, providing a model for hyperscale cloud sustainability.

VattenfallEnergy & Utilities

Allego, a Europe-wide electric vehicle charging provider, leverages Azure Digital Twins to manage and optimize charging stations, improve scheduling, prioritize vehicles, and align energy consumption with grid constraints. This smart solution enhances both user affordability and grid reliability and adaptability. The system takes into account renewable energy supply and demand dynamics to streamline EV operations.

AllegoEnergy & Utilities

Microsoft's acquisition of Solair, an Italian IoT solutions provider, expands its Azure IoT capabilities. Solair specializes in IoT applications for manufacturing, retail, and other industries. It leverages the Azure platform to create innovative solutions like the Smart Factory Advisor, which improves production line monitoring, energy efficiency, and capacity. Solair has demonstrated successful applications with clients like the Rancilio Group for remote monitoring of espresso machines to enhance supply chain efficiencies. Microsoft aims to integrate Solair's technologies into Azure IoT Suite, emphasizing its role in transforming industrial processes for better profitability and operational insights.

Various manufacturers in JapanManufacturing

Bosch developed a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system to provide efficient, low-emission power and heat, supporting global industrial green energy goals.The company's digital twin approach required huge amounts of production and operations data, necessitating a high-performance analytics platform.Partnering with Thoughtworks, Bosch built a cloud-native MVP analytics platform on Microsoft Azure, using Databricks, Azure Data Lake Storage, and Airflow orchestration.The system ingests sensor and fleet data, enables rapid lifecycle analytics, and supports state-of-health monitoring and production optimization.Within four months, the MVP platform enabled Bosch's engineers and data scientists to drive automation, reduce costs, and support efforts toward industrialization and sustainability.The scalable, automated data platform forms a backbone for Bosch's ongoing evolution in green energy manufacturing.

BoschManufacturing

Minfy Technologies provides AI-powered solutions for the power and utilities sector, focusing on predictive maintenance, real-time grid optimization, and customer engagement using Microsoft Azure services.Facing infrastructure aging, variable energy demand, and renewable integration challenges, utilities leveraged Minfy’s platform to ensure operational efficiency and reliability.The Minfy solution integrates Azure, Power BI, IoT sensors, and predictive analytics for energy demand forecasting, dynamic load balancing, asset health monitoring, and preventive maintenance scheduling.The platform enables seamless integration of renewable energy sources into existing grids, balancing supply and demand using AI-powered forecasting tools.Comprehensive dashboarding offers actionable insights for both operational managers and energy customers, supporting sustainability initiatives and energy usage reduction.Ongoing monitoring of infrastructure health allows for proactive asset management and avoidance of costly downtime.AI-powered analytics continually assess performance, recommend targeted interventions, and support data-driven decisions for energy consumption and future planning.This model helps utilities meet regulatory requirements, transition to OPEX-driven pricing, and future-proof operations.Minfy’s end-to-end platform offers scalability and flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the utilities sector.

Australian manufacturers, including Siemens and Ecolab, are leveraging Microsoft Copilot integrated with Azure, Dynamics 365, IoT, and Microsoft Fabric to digitally transform operations. These technologies are used for predictive maintenance, improving quality, managing supply chain risks, and real-time monitoring. Copilot, embedded in familiar Microsoft tools, analyses IoT sensor data and historical records to predict failures and reduce downtime. Manufacturers like Siemens are using digital twins and AI-powered insights for production reliability, while Ecolab applies predictive analytics for waste and sustainability improvements. By connecting data from the factory floor to ERP and IoT, businesses gain centralized insights that optimize every stage of production. Results include significant reductions in downtime, maintenance costs, and energy usage, as well as better decision-making and collaboration across teams. Partners such as CG TECH support implementation and integration in the manufacturing sector.

SiemensManufacturing