The Drivers and Performance of Digital Transformation in the Context of Carbon Transition: A Case Study of Chevron

Abstract

In the context of advancing global low-carbon goals, traditional energy enterprises are facing dual pressures from low-carbon transformation and sustainable development, making digital transformation a core path for them to break through emission reduction bottlenecks and enhance operational efficiency. This paper takes Chevron, a global traditional energy giant, as the research object, systematically analyzes the internal and external drivers of the company’s digital transformation in the context of the low-carbon goals, and evaluates its transformation performance from both financial and non-financial dimensions. The research findings are as follows: On the external level, carbon constraints imposed by policy regulations, the market’s pursuit of green value, and the maturity of digital technology provide driving forces for transformation; on the internal level, the need for cost optimization and the desire to avoid risks in traditional businesses constitute the core endogenous driving forces for transformation. In terms of performance, Chevron has achieved improved profitability and growth capacity through digital transformation, optimized its business structure, and significantly enhanced its innovation capability. This paper can provide a reference for other traditional energy enterprises to formulate digital transformation strategies in the context of the low-carbon goals, and also offer practical evidence for exploring the collaborative development path of low-carbon and digital transformation.