“The energy sector has  always depended on cooperation. Energy moves across assets, companies and national borders through systems that only function when participants agree on standards, responsibilities and ways of working. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in those systems, the same principle applies. The objective should not be uniformity, but trust: confidence that systems can work together securely, reliably and transparently, even when ownership and interests differ.” Takayuki Ueda President & CEO, INPEX Security, transparency and shared standards lead priorities for cross-border governance according to energy leaders Figure 11 53% Security and system reliability 44% Transparency and accountability of AI decisions 40% Common technical standards and interoperability 24% Protecting national energy sovereignty 18% Clear lines of liability when systems fail 15% Fair and equitable access across regions Top priorities for governing AI coordination across borders • UNCHANGED: Grid management and optimization was named by 39% of leaders a year ago as the area that would benefit most from sector-wide data standards for AI, and 41% name it now. • NARROWED: Sensor deployment was named among the most important enablers of greater AI use by 31% of leaders last year; 24% name it now. Attention has moved from gathering more data to governing what the data sets in motion. • NEW: What leaders want governing AI across borders. Security and system reliability leads at 53%, ahead of transparency and accountability of AI decisions at 44% and common technical standards at 40%. The 2026 perspective Powering Possible 2026 31