Matt Clifford’s much heralded AI Opportunities Action Plan was launched on 13th January 2025 and captivated an industry around the bold promise to “turn the UK into an AI superpower”, seizing the £400 billion international AI prize. In this white paper we explore where we believe the UK is falling behind on this opportunity, the implications on the delivery of the AI Opportunities Action Plan and what needs to be done to resolve these issues and ensure the UK remains an attractive location for frontier AI and advanced computing.
Energy – What Must Be Done
- Include data centres in EII criteria and lower power costs to the sector which will provide a shot in the arm to realising the AI maker ambition and £700 billion of hyperscale and big tech investment in the UK.
- Zone pricing for data centres close to renewables will reduce containment fees and drive regional economic growth in North and Scotland.
- Address fundamental grid issues and ensure DSIT and DESNZ together take immediate remedial action.
Funding AI Developments – What Must Be Done
- Government must prioritise action over discussion and engage with industry leaders who have a track record for developing and operating large scale AI infrastructure in order to understand the needs of hyper scale neo clouds and big tech.
- Government must clearly set out the benefits for being awarded a successful AIGZ Submission and ensure the steps are taken to attract and secure new inward investment from big tech into the UK.
- AI copyright law adjustments and lower energy cost for AIGZs will help encourage the investments needed to establish large-scale AI training deployment.
Matt Clifford’s much heralded AI Opportunities Action Plan was launched on 13th January 2025 and captivated an industry around the bold promise to “turn the UK into an AI superpower”, seizing the £400 billion international AI prize. In this white paper we explore where we believe the UK is falling behind on this opportunity, the implications on the delivery of the AI Opportunities Action Plan and what needs to be done to resolve these issues and ensure the UK remains an attractive location for frontier AI and advanced computing.
AI COPYRIGHT – What Must Be Done
- Past legislation to move UK copyright law to parity with the EU so creative industries can opt out if required, but the UK tech sector isn't at a disadvantage to neighbouring countries.
- Showcase the UK as a leading destination for creative industries powered by AI and demonstrate how robust AI infrastructure combined with fair and legal AI legislation can catalyse investment and propel economic GDP.
Energy – What Must Be Done
- Include data centres in EII criteria and lower power costs to the sector which will provide a shot in the arm to realising the AI maker ambition and £700 billion of hyperscale and big tech investment in the UK.
- Zone pricing for data centres close to renewables will reduce containment fees and drive regional economic growth in North and Scotland.
- Address fundamental grid issues and ensure DSIT and DESNZ together take immediate remedial action.
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Funding AI Developments – What Must Be Done
- Government must prioritise action over discussion and engage with industry leaders who have a track record for developing and operating large scale AI infrastructure in order to understand the needs of hyper scale neo clouds and big tech.
- Government must clearly set out the benefits for being awarded a successful AIGZ Submission and ensure the steps are taken to attract and secure new inward investment from big tech into the UK.
- AI copyright law adjustments and lower energy cost for AIGZs will help encourage the investments needed to establish large-scale AI training deployment.