Woodside Energy is pushing artificial intelligence into its industrial operations, using predictive analytics and machine learning tools across exploration, drilling, maintenance and plant operations. The company’s ‘Startup Advisor’ helps operators manage the complex process of starting liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants, augmenting rather than replacing human expertise.

Andrew Melouney, vice president for digital at Woodside Energy, argues that AI is becoming a core operating layer in industries where safety and operational continuity are paramount. The company’s approach reflects a wider evolution: moving from isolated experiments to enterprise-wide systems built on standardized platforms, governed data, and repeatable deployment patterns.

The shift requires organizations to rethink both their technology stacks and how work gets done. 'Think big, prototype small, and scale fast' is Melouney's motto as he pushes Woodside Energy towards an autonomous enterprise where agents with agency interact deeply with core workflows.

As AI systems become more autonomous and interconnected, the companies poised to succeed may be those that spent years building operational foundations. 'Our ambition is really for an autonomous enterprise,' says Melouney, highlighting the importance of governance, data quality and human accountability in this transition.