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The AI Energy Council, which consists of 14 organisations, was announced in January as part of the government’s response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
The UK government has announced plans to establish AI Growth Zones to tackle global concerns regarding the energy requirements for AI data centres. (Photo: Shutterstock)
The UK government has convened the inaugural session of the AI Energy Council in Whitehall, which brings together senior representatives from the energy and technology sectors. The meeting, to be co-chaired by the Technology and Energy Secretaries, aims to establish the council’s objectives, focusing on synchronising the government’s clean energy initiatives with advancements in AI and computing infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.
The council will focus on clean energy and advise on improving energy efficiency and sustainability in AI and data centres. Additionally, it will work on ensuring the secure adoption of AI across the UK’s energy network.
The AI Energy Council was announced in January as part of the government’s response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan. It consists of 14 organisations, including regulators and companies from the energy and tech sectors. Representatives from the National Energy System Operator (NESO), EDF, Scottish Power, Ofgem, and the National Grid, are slated to join the session. Officials from technology leaders such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and UK-based semiconductor company Arm will also participate.
“The work of the AI Energy Council will ensure we aren’t just powering our AI needs to deliver new waves of opportunity in all parts of the country, but can do so in a way which is responsible and sustainable,” said UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Peter Kyle. “This requires a broad range of expertise from industry and regulators as we fire up the UK’s economic engine to make it fit for the age of AI – meaning we can deliver the growth which is the beating heart of our Plan for Change.”
Managing energy demands of AI data centres
The UK is addressing global concerns about the energy requirements for AI data centres by establishing AI Growth Zones in areas with access to at least 500MW of power. This approach is anticipated to attract private investment, generate employment, and boost economic activity.
The government is also working with the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) and NESO to reform the national grid connections process. Pending final approval, these reforms could release over 400GW of capacity, accelerating essential projects like large-scale AI data centres.
The council is meeting amid increased efforts to prioritise clean power projects under the Clean Power Action Plan. The plan includes fast-tracking infrastructure that supports the 2030 clean energy target and streamlining grid connections for high-demand developments including AI facilities.
The AI Energy Council is scheduled to meet quarterly, with its next meeting planned for the summer of 2025.
Read more: Why the government’s AI Opportunities Plan will fail UK startups
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