New artificial intelligence (AI) solutions will accelerate industrial decarbonisation across the country, with nearly £4 million in government funding for green innovations. This is a part of government-backed research centre to champion UK’s advancement of AI for decarbonisation
New AI Investment
Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to try and improve the way industries cut their carbon emissions as part of a multi-million-pound government investment.
Twelve green AI initiatives will receive a share of £1 million to decarbonise and boost generation of renewable energy, to reach the government’s net zero target by 2050.
The schemes cover a range of areas, for example, solar energy improvements, that use AI to improve the forecasting of when it will best produce energy for the grid, and the decarbonisation of dairy farming through the use of AI robots monitoring crop and soil health.
The government will further provide a £2.25million to support greater AI innovations, with the aim of cutting emissions specifically in energy sectors.
This newly announced investment forms part of the government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio to try and cement the UK’s position at the forefront of AI and decarbonisation.
The Portfolio aims to accelerate the commercialisation of low-carbon technologies, systems and business models in power, buildings, and industry.
Reaction to the new plans
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.”
Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, Viscount Camrose, said “AI is delivering transformative change in the UK. These winning projects are yet another example of how we are tapping into our world-class research base and home-grown expertise to tackle one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.”
“Whether backing projects to help us slash emissions or supporting research to revolutionise healthcare for patients, we’re harnessing the enormous potential of AI technologies to improve people’s lives.”
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).
This will provide a virtual hub that will bring together businesses, academics, and experts to advance research into AI solutions that will help industries cut emissions.
CEO of Digital Catapult, Dr Jeremy Silver, said “The ADViCE programme will drive forward AI’s integral role in solving critical decarbonisation challenges. The programme partners sit at the heart of the UK’s dynamic AI ecosystem and are perfectly placed to forge collaborations between the technology community and some of our most carbon intensive sectors.”
“Smart use of AI and data will be fundamental to meeting the UK’s net zero commitment. ADViCE will support those building the algorithms and those investing in AI solutions in the most impactful way possible.”
One of the AI projects, that has been granted £132,147 by the government, will help list.io Ltd. to create a new agriculture robotics that will provide an automated soil and crop health monitoring system, to support decarbonisation in crop management and dairy farms.
Final Thought
The use of AI can lead to a transformative era of industrial decarbonisation. With this new government funding, the UK will encourage AI-driven innovation, creating a path towards net zero. By encouraging investment, the country stands ready to lead the charge in AI-powered decarbonisation, pointing towards a greener and more sustainable future.
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