An annual survey conducted by industrial real estate investment trust Prologis reveals that supply chain managers are increasingly concerned about reliable energy supply for their warehouse operations.

Among 1,816 executives surveyed globally, 89% reported that their operations experienced disruptions due to energy issues over the past year. Respondents widely believe that energy supply stability could become "the next major supply chain crisis."

The report released Monday stated: "Over the past year, nearly nine out of ten companies have experienced energy disruptions, including impacts from energy price volatility and power outages caused by extreme weather. Consequently, executives are deeply worried about power supply stability, with 70% of respondents indicating they are most concerned about power outages compared to any other disruption factor."

76% of respondents said that the widespread application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, along with the construction of data analysis centers necessary to support these technologies, could increase electricity demand by 10% to 50% over the next five years.

83% of respondents indicated that energy procurement could reach crisis levels, yet currently less than one-third of companies have backup energy systems in place. Notably, 90% of respondents expressed willingness to pay a premium for warehouses with reliable energy supply.

Susan Uthayakumar, Prologis' Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer, stated: "Energy has become the new fault line in global supply chains. Last year, most companies experienced energy disruptions, and most companies expect their electricity demand to rise significantly in the coming years. Companies that can address energy resilience issues will be able to maintain their competitive edge."

**Global Supply Chains Undergoing Fundamental Transformation**

The report also highlighted other trends reshaping supply chains.

Production and distribution are gradually moving closer to consumers: 77% of companies are already advancing the construction of "regional self-sufficiency networks," and 60% of companies expect to form more localized supply chain systems by 2023.

The report noted: "The geographical layout of supply chains is accelerating toward localized production, centered around major cities that serve as high-consumption centers and labor bases. After decades of chasing cheap global labor, companies are shifting this strategy."

Additionally, 70% of companies have adopted advanced or transformative AI technologies to improve operations.

Although 82% of respondents expressed optimism about prospects for 2026, they also acknowledged the need to adjust their business models, such as adopting new technologies, deploying risk monitoring systems, and increasing inventory levels to avoid stockouts.

Hamid Moghadam, Co-founder and CEO of Prologis, stated: "This report confirms the challenges our clients face daily. Supply chains are undergoing the most significant reset in a generation, which essentially comes down to three points: energy reliability, artificial intelligence, and geographic location. Today's top priority is enhancing resilience — building supply chain networks that can adapt to change and operate continuously."

The Prologis (NYSE: PLD) survey was conducted jointly with The Harris Poll in mid-August.