The UK government is committed to making the country an artificial intelligence (AI) superpower without compromising the environment or energy security. Today marks the inaugural meeting of the AI Energy Council, which will tackle this balancing act. Co-chaired by technology secretary Peter Kyle and energy secretary Ed Miliband, the council aims to find ways for AI to enhance the UK’s energy network.
Kyle emphasized the goal of powering the UK’s AI initiatives sustainably: “We’re not just looking to foster new opportunities,” he stated, “but to do so in a responsible way.” He noted that achieving this requires input from industry experts and regulators to fuel the UK’s economy in the AI era.
The meeting will bring together key players from the energy sector, including the National Grid, Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator (NESO), and Scottish Power. Miliband highlighted AI’s potential to usher in cleaner electricity, asserting that the council’s work would ensure sustainable growth benefiting businesses and communities alike.
Tech giants like Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia will also participate, sharing insights on building energy- and water-efficient AI datacentres. Alison Kay from AWS noted their alignment with the government’s vision for sustainably meeting AI demand: “We support the goal of ensuring the UK has access to carbon-free energy to drive its AI ambitions.”
The council was announced in January 2025, part of the government’s strategy to tap into AI opportunities. They pledged to create AI growth zones for datacentres that would accelerate technological developments while addressing environmental concerns. In response to worries about the energy demands of these facilities, the government has specified that these zones will be located in areas with at least 500MW of power available.
Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley expressed optimism about AI’s role in enhancing the energy system: “AI can lead to a cleaner, more efficient energy future,” he said, but stressed the importance of fairness and sustainability in its use. He assured that Ofgem would work with the council to ensure AI meets consumer needs, from customer service to infrastructure planning, so everyone can reap the benefits of this evolution in energy technology.