Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to use nuclear energy to support the AI Opportunities Action Plan.

The Government recognises the significant energy demands of advanced AI infrastructure and is exploring how this can be met through renewable power sources, including nuclear.

In February this year, the Prime Minister announced significant reforms to accelerate the development of nuclear power infrastructure, including the Nuclear Regulatory Reform Taskforce which will oversee enhancements to the nuclear regulatory framework to facilitate the timely and efficient development of nuclear projects.

DSIT is working closely with DESNZ and NESO to align AI energy demand with future energy planning and long-term sustainability, including the potential role of nuclear in supporting these objectives.

The AI Energy Council, co-chaired by the Secretaries of State for DSIT and DESNZ, will explore clean energy solutions for AI infrastructure, including small modular reactors and next-gen renewables, to ensure our AI ambitions align with the UK’s net zero goals.