AMA: Energy 2026: Additive Manufacturing in Energy Is Moving Beyond Pilots Here’s What’s Actually Being Deployed

Why It Matters

Certified AM parts can slash spare‑part lead times and improve equipment availability, giving energy operators a competitive edge in cost and reliability. The transition signals a broader industrial shift toward digital, on‑demand manufacturing.

Key Takeaways

• Siemens Energy uses 3D‑printed titanium impellers in geared compressors
• Equinor shifts from trials to on‑demand spare‑part production
• DNV develops qualification frameworks to certify AM parts for critical use
• WAAM scaling targets larger components with cost‑competitive throughput
• Supply‑chain integration drives AM value by cutting lead times and obsolescence

Pulse Analysis

The energy industry has long treated additive manufacturing as a curiosity, but recent deployments suggest a paradigm shift. Siemens Energy’s titanium impellers for integrally geared compressors illustrate that AM can meet the rigorous reliability and efficiency standards of critical power equipment. Meanwhile, Equinor’s focus on on‑demand spare‑part production highlights how digital inventories reduce downtime and lower logistics costs, turning what were once niche prototypes into core assets for operational resilience.

A decisive barrier to broader adoption is certification. DNV’s work on qualification frameworks provides the methodological backbone that moves parts from the lab to the field. By defining repeatable testing, documentation, and assurance processes, these standards mitigate risk and satisfy regulators, enabling operators to trust AM components in high‑pressure, high‑temperature environments. The emphasis on process validation, rather than printer capability alone, is reshaping procurement strategies across the sector.

Beyond individual components, the real value of AM lies in its integration with supply‑chain strategies. Companies such as Ivaldi Group and Stamas Solutions are building regional centers of excellence that align production, qualification, and workforce development, creating a seamless pipeline from design to deployment. Scaling technologies like wire‑arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) promise larger, cost‑effective parts, while research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory expands material palettes. Together, these trends position additive manufacturing as a cornerstone of a more agile, sustainable energy infrastructure, and the upcoming AMA: Energy 2026 event will showcase the practical pathways to realize that future.