UK Government invests £1.73 million in AI projects to drive green transition

The UK government has allocated £1.73 million in funding to support innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects to reduce carbon emissions across critical sectors

This funding shows the UK’s commitment to using technology to help combat climate change and accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy. 

Decarbonisation Innovation Programme

The funding, announced as part of the government’s Artificial Intelligence for Decarbonisation Innovation Programme, will trust UK developers to use the potential of AI in revolutionising energy efficiency, increasing renewables, and decarbonising key industries. 

With climate change causing challenges daily, these AI projects represent a proactive step towards building a greener and more sustainable future. 

Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway explained how these AI projects help tackle some of the most important and ongoing challenges faced by the UK, and by pushing the boundaries of AI innovations will be able to help ensure energy security in decades to come, which will also create jobs. 

Where will the funding be allocated? 

The funding will be allocated across three key sectors:

1. Electricity Generation and Distribution: 
   • Projects like those led by the University of Nottingham and Carbon Laces Solutions Ltd will focus on enhancing the accuracy of weather forecasting for solar energy and optimising home electricity usage to improve grid efficiency, respectively.
2. Transport Decarbonisation:
   • Initiatives like the one undertaken by Flexible Power Systems Ltd will utilise AI to optimise electric fleet operations, ultimately minimising costs and reducing transport emissions.
3. Renewables Generation and Land Use: 
   • Projects led by EDF Energy R&D UK Centre Ltd and OnGen Ltd aim to optimise the positioning of wind turbines for offshore wind farms and recommend low-carbon technologies for buildings, respectively.

AI for decarbonisation

These initiatives build upon previous investments in AI for decarbonisation, including establishing the UK’s Artificial Intelligence for Decarbonisation’s Virtual Centre for Excellence (ADViCE). ADViCE is a collaborative platform that brings together AI developers, investors, local government, and academics to address barriers slowing the adoption of AI in decarbonisation efforts.

The nation is set to achieve its ambitious net zero emissions target using AI technologies while promoting economic growth and job creation in the green economy.