United Kingdom: The government of the UK has announced funding for Artificial Intelligence (AI) businesses to deliver net zero with innovative technologies.
This backing will enable British innovators working at the forefront of AI technologies to use their expertise in the field to help cut carbon emissions in important sectors, promote the use of renewable energy and increase efficiency in various sectors.
Several projects were approved to support the green transition in the UK. These projects vary from enhancing weather forecasting to aid solar energy production, to developing AI-powered software to assist consumers and businesses in reducing energy costs. A total of £1.73 million will be distributed among eight projects to help them develop and expand their AI technology to support the UK’s green transition.
The funding forms a significant part of the Government’s Artificial Intelligence for Decarbonisation Innovation Programme. This programme promotes the advancement of AI technologies in the UK’s transition towards achieving a net-zero carbon footprint. It is a component of the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which is a £1 billion initiative. The programme further solidifies the UK’s position as a leader in both AI and decarbonisation.
Amanda Solloway, Minister for Affordability and Skills, said that, “The UK continues to push the boundaries in how advanced AI can help tackle some of the most important challenges facing our nation. These projects will use our world-leading research and scientific expertise to enhance our renewables sector and boost our energy efficiency through the use of AI in the transport, land use, and electricity space. Cutting-edge innovation like this will help ensure our energy security for decades to come and create hundreds of jobs in the process.”
Minister for AI Viscount Camrose stated that, “AI is the defining technology of our generation and the UK is harnessing its enormous potential to improve public services, ramp up productivity and tackle shared global challenges, particularly climate change. This funding backs brilliant British innovation to drive forward new AI solutions which will help us reach our net zero ambitions.”
“Our wider £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio cements our position as a leader in the fight against climate change, and I’m delighted to see the UK continuing to tap into emerging technologies to ensure a greener future for all,” the AI minister added. Decarbonisation challenges in three sectors are addressed through funding, including electricity generation, consumption, transmission, and distribution, transport decarbonisation, and land use for renewable energy.
The scheme previously provided funding, including £1 million awarded to 8 winners and £500,000 awarded last year to set up the UK’s Artificial Intelligence for Decarbonisation’s Virtual Centre for Excellence (ADViCE). It aims to address barriers preventing companies from using AI to decarbonise by bringing together developers, investors, government, and academics.
Dr David Pugh, Director of Sustainable Industry at Digital Catapult, highlighted that AI can foster operational efficiencies and decarbonisation efforts in the energy and transportation sectors. The AI for ADViCE by Digital Catapult, Energy Systems Catapult, and Alan Turing Institute is promoting collaborations between the tech community and carbon-intensive industries. The Stream 3 projects will showcase AI’s potential for a positive impact on the UK economy.
Professor Adam Sobey, Programme Director of Data Centric Engineering at The Alan Turing Institute, believes that AI can help us understand and reduce emissions from various sectors like transport systems, energy infrastructure, farms, and buildings. He looks forward to working with innovative projects through the AI for Decarbonisation Virtual Innovation Centre of Excellence to achieve challenging climate change targets in the UK.
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