The UK Government has started a new initiative to transform local communities and propel the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) growth by creating AI Growth Zones
These zones will bring thousands of new jobs, attract investment, and set the UK as a global leader in AI.
The plan is part of the government’s “Plan for Change,” which aims to revitalise underdeveloped and deindustrialised areas by developing AI infrastructure.
Local UK authorities are encouraged to submit proposals to host these AI Growth Zones. The initiative focuses on areas well-suited to AI infrastructure development, particularly regions with access to large power connections or those capable of increasing energy capacity.
Along with boosting technological advancements, these zones will also help accelerate the development of industries like healthcare, creating new opportunities for local communities.
UK strategy to become a leading AI superpower
The government is keen to use AI to boost productivity, improve public services, and drive innovation in various sectors. The AI Opportunities Action Plan, unveiled last month, has already attracted over £14 billion in investment, further validating the country’s ambitions in the AI space. AI Growth Zones will be key to driving this transformation.
Local authorities are encouraged to identify sites with existing energy infrastructure, such as power stations or energy storage facilities. These areas will benefit from fast-tracked planning permission for the construction of data centres and other AI-related infrastructure. The government aims to ensure that each zone will have the necessary energy capacity to power major AI developments, with plans to support power scaling up to 500MW, which is enough to power around two million homes.
The government’s focus on deindustrialised regions is part of a broader effort to revitalise areas that have experienced economic decline.
Scotland, Wales and the North leading the way
These regions can attract fresh investment, create jobs, and revitalise local economies by bringing in high-tech industries like AI. Interest in the AI Growth Zones has already been high, with potential sites in Scotland, Wales, and the North of England leading the way.
In Scotland, for example, universities are already at the forefront of AI development, making the country attractive for investment in AI infrastructure.
Areas in the North East and North West of England are expected to host the new AI centres due to their existing industrial heritage and energy infrastructure.
The selection process and timeline
Local authorities, private sector companies, energy firms, and data centre developers are also being asked to contribute to developing the AI Growth Zones.
These industries will play an important role in scaling up energy capacity, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the rapid expansion of AI technology. Industry proposals are expected to provide development timelines, partnership opportunities with local authorities, and plans for how these zones will support the UK’s AI ambitions.
The first AI Growth Zone is set to be established in Culham, Oxfordshire, home to the UK Atomic Energy Authority. This site will also serve as a testing ground for sustainable energy solutions like fusion technology, powering AI developments nationwide. The government is also setting up an AI Energy Council to ensure that the energy used to power these growth zones comes from responsible, sustainable sources, aligning with the UK’s ambitions to become a clean energy superpower.
The selection process for the AI Growth Zones will begin this spring, with the first zones expected to be announced later this summer.
