Clean energy should be ‘priority’ for industrial strategy

The Government is setting up a dedicated team to harness the power of artificial intelligence to support its ambition for the UK to be a clean energy superpower.

The AI Energy Council is one of a series of measures announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the technology to “deliver a decade of national renewal”.

The body, chaired by the Science and Energy Secretaries, will work with energy companies to understand the demands and challenges which will fuel the technology’s development.

"The Energy Council will provide expert insight on the energy needs of AI, opportunities to accelerate investment in the development of renewable and innovative energy solutions, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and the role of AI in a modern, efficient and sustainable energy system," it said.

The Government’s plans include the setting up of AI growth zones that will enjoy fast-track planning and infrastructure upgrades to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy needed to power datacentres.