Purpose – This study aims to develop a maturity model to assess manufacturing companies’ adoption of digitaltechnologies for energy efficiency and to formulate strategies to facilitate progress toward higher maturity levels. To achieve this goal, the study will identify and analyze the challenges inherent in the adoption andimplementation of digital technologies for energy efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach – This study used a mixed methodology, combining analysis of the literaturefor building a maturity model and a questionnaire for validating the model and developing strategies foradvancing maturity. The questionnaire was answered by 101 Swedish manufacturing companies.

Findings – The findings reveal that the aluminum industries and iron and steel industries exhibit higher maturity levels in adopting digital technologies. Most companies are intermediate adopters utilizing core technologies such as the Internet of things, Cloud and Big Data for energy use monitoring, analysis and reporting. A smaller subset of companies, identified as leading adopters, reached the highest maturity level, integrating artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and machine learning into their energy management systems to optimize both production and energy use. A keychallenge identified is the “lack of knowledge” regarding the adoption and implementation of these technologies.

Research limitations/implications – It is essential to emphasize that the developed maturity model does notprioritize the adoption of multiple types of digital technologies. From a maturity standpoint, what truly matters is how effectively the information obtained from digital technologies is utilized in energy efficiency and energy management work to create knowledge and, thus, add value to the organization.

Practical implications – The maturity model and the strategies for advancing maturity related to the adoption of digital technology for energy efficiency are designed to be applicable to all types of manufacturing industries regardless of what sector or country the company is active in. The model can also be used by academia or otheractors interested in evaluating the maturity level for the adoption of digital technologies for energy efficiency incompanies in the manufacturing industry. The developed strategies offer guidance on determining which activities to undertake within the organization based on its current level of maturity.