The UK government has announced a new multimillion pound investment in Artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the way industries cut their carbon emissions.
Twelve green AI initiatives will receive a share of £1 million to decarbonise and boost generation of renewable energy, contributing to reaching the country’s ambitious net zero goal by 2050.
The initiatives range from solar energy improvements, that use AI to improve the forecasting of when it will best produce energy for the grid, to the decarbonisation of dairy farming through the use of AI robots monitoring crop and soil health.
In addition, the government will provide a further £2.25 million to support further AI innovations, with the aim of cutting emissions specifically in energy sectors.
This forms part of the government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio and cements the UK’s position firmly at the forefront of AI and decarbonisation.
Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said: “We are unquestionably world-leading when it comes to advanced AI and our track record for decarbonisation. This unique position means we must now push the boundaries in how this technology can enhance our rapidly-growing clean energy sector.
It’s projects like those announced today that will take us to the next step on our ambitious journey to becoming net zero, while boosting our energy security and creating a new wave of skilled jobs for the future.”
ClimateTech expert Laimonas Noreika, CEO of HeavyFinance said: “AI is set to play a crucial role in tackling the climate change crisis, yet far too many firms lack the funding and support to fully embrace it.
“This new investment is a step in the right direction from the government and will play a crucial role in helping industries like energy, transport, and agriculture to make the most of the latest technology to decarbonise and go green.”
The government’s Digital Catapult agency, which is part of Innovate UK and supports businesses in progressing their ideas, has also today received up to £500,000 to launch the UK’s first Centre for Excellence on AI innovation for decarbonisation (ADViCE).