AI Energy Council Drives UK’s Ambitious Compute and Clean Energy Goals

Secretaries Chair Second AI Energy Council Meeting

The Technology and Energy Secretaries led the second AI Energy Council meeting in London on Monday, 30 June 2025. Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband brought together regulators and representatives from the energy and technology sectors.

The focus of the discussions was the energy requirements to support the UK’s ambition to expand its public compute capacity—a key foundation for AI development—by 20 times over the next five years. The meeting addressed how the national energy grid can accommodate this significant growth.

Key Presentations and Insights

The session began with presentations from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) outlining projected energy demands related to AI. The Energy Secretary highlighted ongoing efforts by the council’s working group dedicated to forecasting these demands accurately.

With data centres expected to double their energy consumption soon, attendees emphasized the need to accelerate their connection to the power grid. These centres are essential infrastructure supporting AI growth and require efficient integration with energy networks.

Reflections on Growth and Sovereign Capabilities

The Technology Secretary stressed the importance of expanding the UK’s sovereign AI capabilities. The AI Energy Council serves as a crucial platform to address strategic questions and identify new opportunities for both sectors.

At the meeting’s close, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to the council’s mission. They agreed on the urgency of collaboration to forecast future trends and support the government’s broader goals for AI and clean energy leadership.

The council’s next meeting is scheduled for Autumn 2025.