
On Monday 13th January, the Government announced that the first AI Growth Zone will be at the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) headquarters in Culham, Oxfordshire – a key centre of fusion research in the UK. This announcement was made as part of the launch of the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.
The UKAEA will seek a private sector partner to develop one of the UK’s largest AI data centres, which is expected to begin with 100MW of capacity but has future plans to scale up to 500MW. Culham’s connection to the UK’s national electricity grid, combined with the land available on the campus, makes it a prime location for deploying substantial computing facilities. Further AI Growth Zones are expected to be announced in the summer.
AI is central to the UKAEA’s mission to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and the APPG for Fusion Energy welcomes the Plan and its vision to support cutting-edge AI infrastructure.
Other key announcements in the AI Opportunities Action Plan include increased training for AI and digital skills and the creation of an AI Energy Council. Led by Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary, and Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, the AI Energy Council will look to accelerate investment in energy sources.