London, UK – April 8, 2025: The UK government has convened the inaugural meeting of its newly established AI Energy Council, a strategic body tasked with aligning the country’s ambitions in artificial intelligence with its clean energy goals.

The Council, which brings together experts from the energy, technology, and regulatory sectors, will play a key role in ensuring that Britain’s emergence as a global AI leader is powered by sustainable energy sources. Its formation is part of the government's wider response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, signalling a bold move to position the UK at the forefront of the global AI and clean tech economy.

At the centre of its mandate is the challenge of addressing the growing energy demands of AI data centres, while simultaneously accelerating progress towards net zero. AI Growth Zones—dedicated development hubs located in regions with access to at least 500MW of power—are among the government’s proactive solutions, intended to draw private investment and generate jobs in local communities.

Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, underscored the Council’s dual focus: “The work of the AI Energy Council will ensure we aren’t just powering our AI needs to deliver new waves of opportunity across the UK, but doing so in a way that is responsible and sustainable.”

The Council will explore how renewable and nuclear energy can power AI’s rapid growth and provide strategic guidance on improving energy efficiency in data infrastructure. This includes addressing key resource challenges such as water usage and ensuring the secure integration of AI into the UK’s energy grid.

Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, emphasized the synergy between AI and clean power: “AI can play an important role in building a new era of clean electricity for our country. As we unlock its potential, this Council will help ensure a sustainable scale-up that benefits businesses and communities alike.”

The government is also fast-tracking reforms to the UK’s grid connection process. In collaboration with Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator (NESO), the changes—pending final approval—could release over 400GW of capacity, critical for supporting new data centre projects and accelerating economic growth.

The AI Energy Council features representatives from 14 leading organisations, including EDF, Scottish Power, National Grid, and global tech firms such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), ARM, and infrastructure investor Brookfield. Their combined expertise is expected to drive faster energy project connections, ensuring AI infrastructure can come online quickly and sustainably.

Alison Kay, VP for UK and Ireland at AWS, highlighted the importance of renewable energy in meeting AI’s growing demands: “We share the government’s goal to ensure the UK has sufficient access to carbon-free energy to support its AI ambitions and drive economic growth.”

Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, added: “AI will play an increasingly important role in transforming our energy system to be cleaner and more efficient—but only if used in a fair, secure, and sustainable way.”

This initiative forms a critical component of the UK’s Clean Power Action Plan, aimed at slashing connection wait times and unlocking billions in private sector investment. With streamlined planning approvals and a renewed focus on infrastructure, the UK is laying the foundation for an AI-powered, low-carbon future.