Alex de Valukhoff, Angara's CEO, is sharing his industry insights.

Alex de VALUKHOFF, CEO of Angara, shares his insights on the future of energy transition, AI-driven innovation, and the path to decarbonization.

About the Company and Technology

Could you describe your company's vision, particularly focusing on the challenges and milestones?

At ANGARA, our vision is to revolutionize industrial maintenance by integrating advanced AI technology to enhance both profitability and sustainability in high-emissions industries. We aim to transform industrial equipment into intelligent systems that preventively diagnose and solve issues autonomously, reducing inefficiencies and CO₂ emissions. We have successfully deployed our DecarbonX AI platform, significantly improving energy efficiency and operational reliability in key industrial sectors.

Our journey has been challenging, particularly in gaining the trust of industries that are traditionally resistant to change. Securing our first pilot project was a significant milestone for us, as the industry is conservative. However, by consistently delivering tangible results—such as reduced energy losses and emissions—we’ve built solid partnerships and established ourselves as one of the key players in AI-driven decarbonization.

Your technology is aimed at profitable decarbonization for the high-emitting industries. What sets your AI-enabled solution apart from others in the market?

DecarbonX stands out because it doesn’t just optimize operations—it transforms them. Our platform enables equipment to diagnose issues and propose solutions autonomously, reducing inefficiencies and energy losses that can cost industries millions. Integrating our SWARM AI technology makes thousands of heat exchangers intelligent and autonomous, ensuring near-fouling-free and efficient operation. This not only lowers CO2 emissions but also boosts profitability by minimizing downtime and maximizing product yields. Unlike other solutions that might focus on one aspect of maintenance, we provide a comprehensive approach that addresses both energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

How do you ensure that your technology delivers both environmental and financial benefits to your clients? Could you share a success story?

Our DecarbonX platform is designed to be a dual-benefit solution. By proactively managing efficiency loss due to fouling and enabling energy-efficient operations, we help our clients achieve significant cost savings while reducing their carbon footprint. All our clients reduced their energy usage by 15% and CO2 emissions by 12% within the first year of implementing DecarbonX. This translated into millions of dollars in savings and helped them move closer to their sustainability targets.

Industry Insights

The petroleum and petrochemical industries are often seen as resistant to change, particularly regarding sustainability. How do you navigate this challenge, and what trends do you see in these industries regarding decarbonization?

The resistance to change in these industries often stems from a long-standing focus on reliability over efficiency. At ANGARA, we’ve navigated this challenge by demonstrating how our technology can enhance both. We emphasize that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive but complementary, not just as a compliance measure but as a strategic advantage.

Given the current geopolitical and economic landscape, what do you predict will be the biggest drivers of change in the energy sector over the next five years?

In the next five years, regulatory pressures and technological advancements will be the primary drivers of change in the energy sector. As governments enforce stricter emissions regulations, companies will be compelled to adopt more sustainable practices to stay compliant.

While there is still tension between profitability and sustainability, the industry is slowly realizing that these objectives can be aligned. However, moving from conversation to meaningful action remains a challenge. This is where technological innovation, particularly in AI, will be crucial. The energy sector has the potential to see sustainability as a driver of efficiency and profitability, and we are committed to helping make that shift a reality.

How do you see the role of AI evolving in the energy sector, particularly in sustainability initiatives?

AI is set to become a cornerstone of sustainability initiatives in the energy sector. Its ability to process vast amounts of data and identify patterns that are invisible to the human eye is invaluable. I foresee AI being used more extensively, not just for optimizing operations but also for predictive maintenance, energy forecasting, and even for developing new materials and processes that are more sustainable. As AI technologies continue to advance, they will become more integrated into energy companies' decision-making processes, helping them navigate the complex balance between profitability and sustainability.

Future Outlook and Strategy

What role do you see your company playing in the broader global movement towards net-zero emissions?

We see ourselves as enablers of the net-zero transition. Our technology is designed to help industries typically hard to decarbonize make significant strides toward their net-zero goals. By providing a solution that balances profitability with sustainability, we’re helping to make the case that achieving net zero is an environmental imperative and a sound business strategy. As more companies adopt our technology, we believe we’ll have a meaningful impact on reducing global emissions.

Personal Insights

What motivates you personally to lead a company that operates at the intersection of AI and sustainability?

I’m driven by the belief that technology can be a force for good. Leading a company that helps businesses succeed and contributes to a more sustainable future is incredibly fulfilling. At the intersection of AI and sustainability, some of the most exciting innovations are happening, and being at the forefront of that movement is a powerful motivator for me.

Can you share any leadership lessons or advice for other entrepreneurs who aim to innovate within traditional industries?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of persistence. Innovating within traditional industries is not easy—they’re often set in their ways, and it can take time to gain their trust. But if you believe in your solution and its potential impact, don’t give up. Another key piece of advice is to listen to your customers. Understanding their pain points and speaking their language, particularly regarding returns, is crucial for gaining their buy-in and ultimately driving change.