Energy and Technology Leaders Convene for AI Energy Council Meeting in the UK
Council aims to align clean energy production with the UK’s expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure.
On April 8, 2025, energy firms and technology giants are set to meet with UK government ministers for the inaugural session of the newly established AI Energy Council.
This meeting will follow the Prime Minister's January announcement regarding the UK's ambition to become a 'global superpower' in artificial intelligence, a goal outlined in the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.
The action plan includes the establishment of the AI Energy Council, which will be chaired by the Secretaries of State for Technology and Energy.
The main focus of the council will be to develop strategies to enhance the UK's clean energy production in tandem with the increasing demand for power generated by artificial intelligence technologies.
Representatives from key energy corporations such as EDF, Scottish Power, Ofgem, and the National Grid will participate in the discussions, alongside major technology firms including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and British semiconductor manufacturer Arm.
The first meeting is anticipated to revolve around defining the council's objectives, particularly in advancing clean energy generation and enhancing AI-related computational infrastructure.
The energy requirements for artificial intelligence applications have garnered attention, given the sector's well-known energy intensity.
AI models necessitate substantial power to process extensive data sets and execute complex tasks.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the importance of integrating responsible and sustainable practices into the UK's AI ambitions, highlighting the need for collaboration across industry and regulatory bodies.
He noted, ‘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.’
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stressed the UK's goal to emerge as a clean energy powerhouse, aiming to develop domestic energy resources to safeguard consumers and stimulate economic growth.
He indicated that the potential of AI could significantly contribute to a new paradigm of clean electricity in the UK.
In a contrasting commentary, Andrew Bowie, the acting shadow energy secretary, described the current government approach as inadequate, asserting that labor policies could hinder economic growth and investment.
He raised concerns about high electricity prices in the UK and the adverse impact of regulatory frameworks on potential investments from major firms like Microsoft, which have cited challenges in securing grid connections.
This meeting will follow the Prime Minister's January announcement regarding the UK's ambition to become a 'global superpower' in artificial intelligence, a goal outlined in the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.
The action plan includes the establishment of the AI Energy Council, which will be chaired by the Secretaries of State for Technology and Energy.
The main focus of the council will be to develop strategies to enhance the UK's clean energy production in tandem with the increasing demand for power generated by artificial intelligence technologies.
Representatives from key energy corporations such as EDF, Scottish Power, Ofgem, and the National Grid will participate in the discussions, alongside major technology firms including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and British semiconductor manufacturer Arm.
The first meeting is anticipated to revolve around defining the council's objectives, particularly in advancing clean energy generation and enhancing AI-related computational infrastructure.
The energy requirements for artificial intelligence applications have garnered attention, given the sector's well-known energy intensity.
AI models necessitate substantial power to process extensive data sets and execute complex tasks.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the importance of integrating responsible and sustainable practices into the UK's AI ambitions, highlighting the need for collaboration across industry and regulatory bodies.
He noted, ‘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.’
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stressed the UK's goal to emerge as a clean energy powerhouse, aiming to develop domestic energy resources to safeguard consumers and stimulate economic growth.
He indicated that the potential of AI could significantly contribute to a new paradigm of clean electricity in the UK.
In a contrasting commentary, Andrew Bowie, the acting shadow energy secretary, described the current government approach as inadequate, asserting that labor policies could hinder economic growth and investment.
He raised concerns about high electricity prices in the UK and the adverse impact of regulatory frameworks on potential investments from major firms like Microsoft, which have cited challenges in securing grid connections.
