The UK is taking a bold step to align its AI ambitions with clean energy goals through the formation of a new national AI Energy Council. The government officially launched the council’s first meeting this week. Establishing a strategic body to explore how the country can scale up artificial intelligence infrastructure without compromising on its clean power targets.
The council’s role is to help shape how AI and energy policy work hand in hand to fuel long-term economic growth. It’s a direct response to the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. And comes as the energy demands of AI data centres rise sharply across the globe. Britain is hoping to lead by example in building a future where data infrastructure and environmental responsibility go together.
A core priority for the AI Energy Council is tackling the immense power needs of AI, especially in data-heavy sectors. The UK government is addressing this through new AI Growth Zones. Development hubs placed near areas with access to at least 500 megawatts of power. That’s enough energy to serve about two million homes. Making these zones attractive to private investors planning to build data centres or launch AI-driven businesses. The move is also designed to generate new jobs and support regional economies across the country.
Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the council will ensure that the UK powers its AI expansion responsibly. The goal, he explained, is not just to build advanced computing capabilities. But to do so in a way that’s sustainable, secure, and beneficial for communities nationwide. That mission includes drawing on industry and regulatory expertise to shape policies that support the UK’s broader Plan for Change.
Alongside economic development, the council is focused on helping AI thrive within the country’s energy transition. Its work includes reviewing how renewables, nuclear, and other clean power sources can support AI infrastructure. The council is also expected to make recommendations to improve energy efficiency across AI and data centre operations. Including smarter resource management such as water usage.
Another key objective is to ensure that AI plays a direct role in enhancing the UK’s energy networks. AI can help forecast power demand, streamline grid management, and support the rollout of more intelligent infrastructure. The council will guide how these innovations are safely and securely adopted in critical systems.
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized that AI will be essential to building a stronger, cleaner electricity system. He noted that the council’s formation supports the UK’s broader ambition to become a clean energy superpower. While driving AI innovation that benefits both businesses and citizens.
To help AI development scale faster, the government is also collaborating with energy regulator Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to accelerate major infrastructure projects. Reforms to the grid connections process are currently under review. If approved, these changes could release over 400 gigawatts of capacity from the existing connection queue. A move that could unlock billions in investment for large-scale projects such as AI data centres, gigafactories, and sustainable housing developments.
The AI Energy Council itself brings together voices from 14 major organisations across both the energy and technology sectors. Among them are Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), ARM, EDF, National Grid, Scottish Power, and infrastructure investor Brookfield. These players will work together to shape the UK’s strategy and ensure that energy and AI ecosystems grow in sync.
AWS UK & Ireland VP Alison Kay highlighted the importance of reliable, carbon-free energy access as the company works toward net-zero goals. AWS has been the world’s largest corporate buyer of renewable energy for five years running and says it supports the UK’s push to balance AI growth with climate goals.
Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley added that AI, if developed responsibly, has the potential to make the energy system cleaner and more cost-effective. But he stressed that regulation and consumer protections must keep pace to ensure that the benefits of AI reach everyone fairly and safely.
This initiative aligns closely with the government’s Clean Power Action Plan. Which prioritizes rapid infrastructure development to meet the nation’s 2030 energy goals. Part of that effort includes streamlining the planning process to shorten the time it takes for new energy projects to move forward. This could be especially important for AI firms, which need fast, scalable access to power and compute to fuel innovation.
As more global tech companies look to build data centres in the UK. This coordinated strategy aims to provide the power, regulation, and infrastructure needed to support that demand. While making sure sustainability isn’t left behind. The AI Energy Council will now lead the charge in ensuring that both sectors grow together in a way that’s resilient, responsible, and ready for the future.
