AI to Play Key Role in UK’s Net-Zero Carbon Emission Goal by 2050
The UK government has announced a multi-million-pound investment in artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives to help industries reduce their carbon emissions and contribute to the country’s net zero goal by 2050. This investment strengthens the UK’s position as a leader in AI and decarbonisation.
The UK government has announced a significant investment of nearly £4 million in AI to reduce carbon emissions. A share of £1 million will be used to support twelve green AI initiatives. The initiatives aim to decarbonise industries and boost renewable energy generation, contributing to the country’s Net-Zero Goal by 2050. The projects cover a range of sectors, including solar energy forecasting and AI robots for monitoring crop and soil health in dairy farming. In addition to decarbonising industries, AI itself could reduce its carbon footprint through the development of low-power AI hardware that mimics the human brain.
The government also will provide £2.25 million to support AI innovations in the energy sector, wich is specifically targeted at cutting emissions. The additional funding in the energy sector demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing climate change and positioning the UK as a global leader in AI and decarbonisation. It is part of the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which aims to position the UK as a global leader in AI and decarbonisation.
To advance AI research in emissions reduction, a virtual hub will be created to bring together businesses, academics, and experts. The ADViCE program, led by Digital Catapult, will leverage AI and data to tackle decarbonisation challenges effectively. The government invites energy firms, software developers and innovators to apply for funding under its AI for Decarbonisation Programme until 10 October 2023.