I am publishing a Command Paper delivering AI growth zones, setting out the Government strategy to ensure the United Kingdom remains a global leader in artificial intelligence by building the infrastructure that underpins AI development and deployment, creates jobs right across the UK and grows the economy.
Artificial intelligence is transforming economies and societies worldwide. Being an AI maker, rather than an AI taker, is a critical goal of our modern industrial strategy and today we set out how we will build out the UK’s AI data centre capacity to underpin this frontier industry and support the growth sectors of the UK. This is a strategic opportunity to drive growth, strengthen national security and improve public services. To seize this opportunity, we must build secure, resilient and sustainable compute capacity here at home.
The AI growth zones programme will accelerate the delivery of large-scale AI data centres by removing barriers to construction and creating the best possible environment for investment, while maximising the benefits for local people. The package announced today sets out:
A new north Wales AI growth zone, creating 3,450 jobs locally and delivering opportunities across both energy and technology sectors.
Reforms to accelerate grid connections, including prioritising connections for AI growth zones and enabling developers to build their own high-voltage infrastructure.
Targeted electricity price support for data centres in locations that strengthen the grid and reduce system costs.
Planning reforms in England to streamline approvals, update national policy guidance, and protect land for AI growth zones.
Measures to maximise local benefits, including an initial £5 million per site to benefit local communities.
A dedicated AI growth zone delivery unit, acting as a single front door for investors and co-ordinating delivery across Government.
Taken together, these measures have the potential to unlock up to £100 billion in private investment and create over 10,000 jobs.
Over the past 12 months we have secured over 70 billion of investment in AI infrastructure. Now, this ambitious programme will go further to secure our economic future and drive investment into parts of the country that have long been overlooked, securing the future of AI for local areas through new industries, skilled jobs and lasting economic growth.
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