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Created in partnership with the NARTC Advisory Board, the Boardroom Insights Series: North American Refining 2026/27 captures executive perspectives from across the downstream value chain. 

 In this edition, leaders discuss the realities of AI adoption in refining — including where digital technologies are delivering value, where challenges remain and why strong operational foundations still matter most. 

AI should be viewed as an enabler rather than a replacement, aiding human capability rather than replacing it For North American refiners, volatility is no longer the exception, it is the operating environment.

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate conversations across the refining sector, with companies exploring how digital technologies can improve operational performance, efficiency and decision-making. 

However, discussions with the NARTC Advisory Board revealed a more measured industry perspective emerging; one focused less on experimentation and more on practical value creation. While enthusiasm around AI remains high, many refiners continue to face challenges around data quality, infrastructure readiness and governance. 

A key theme of the discussion was reframing AI not as a standalone project, but as a long‑term organisational shift. Successful implementation requires embedding digital capabilities into day‑to‑day operations rather than treating them as isolated initiatives.  

One Advisor shared the success of their HR-led AI projects and initiatives, over traditional IT-led approaches, in driving this mindset shift from deploying tools to building capacity. 

Importantly, the Board stressed that AI is not the solution to every problem.  

Many operational gaps can still be addressed through existing technologies, improved processes or better use of current systems. In this context, AI should be viewed as an enabler rather than a replacement, aiding human capability rather than replacing it. 

“AI should be viewed as an enabler rather than a replacement, aiding human capability rather than replacing it “

Examples of practical use cases supporting core operations include PPE compliance monitoring, real‑time hazard detection through advanced sensors, automated data logging and optimization tools.  

However, once again, it was emphasized that these applications only deliver true value once core operations are stable. Ultimately, top performers excel in process safety, reliability, flexibility and energy efficiency and whilst AI can enhance these areas, it cannot compensate for weaknesses in fundamentals.  

The pathway forward is to build strong foundations first, then layer digital capabilities to improve performance and create additional value. 

The Advisory Board continue to be interested in examples where AI has been successfully scaled across sites and business functions, beyond the pilot phase. 

Join senior downstream executives, refiners and technology leaders at the North American Refining Technology Conference (NARTC) to explore the operational, commercial and digital priorities shaping the industry’s future.