TO BE PUBLISHED July 2025
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This conference will examine priorities and next steps for decarbonisation of the UK’s technology sector, with a particular focus on the energy demands of AI, strategies for making data centres more efficient, and the role of emerging technologies in supporting the UK’s net zero targets.
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss the way forward for aligning digital expansion with sustainability goals, in the context of government initiatives such as the AI Opportunities Action Plan and establishment of the AI Energy Council.
New tech-related energy demand, planning and regulation
Delegates will assess sustainability implications of rapidly expanding data centre infrastructure, in light of concerns raised by industry, regulators and commentators over its environmental footprint. With discussion expected on the use of small modular reactors to reduce carbon emissions from data centres, proposals to simplify planning rules for nuclear sites will be examined, including enabling co-location with energy-intensive infrastructure, alongside expectations for the work of the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce and the role of local authorities.
Decarbonisation goals, measurement and reporting, and international relationships
Areas for discussion include the contribution of digital infrastructure to decarbonisation objectives, including opportunities to use data centres as heat sources, adopt circular economy practices, and support energy management through innovations in cloud computing and 5G. We expect delegates to consider suggestions from COP29’s Declaration on Green Digital Action for enhancing climate resilience and addressing the life-cycle environmental impacts of digital technologies.
Sessions will examine options for new standards and metrics to improve emissions reporting, including calls to adapt UK regulatory frameworks to reflect the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive, and how best to ensure UK regulation remains fit for purpose as cross-border digital services continue to expand.
Innovation and policy for the long-term
We also expect discussion on initiatives such as the Manchester Prize and wider options for supporting innovation in grid decarbonisation, and encouraging the development of solutions that respond to both climate and AI-related challenges. The potential role of AI in enabling decarbonisation in other sectors will also be explored - including through energy optimisation and predictive technologies - alongside concerns regarding the overall scalability of AI within environmental constraints.
Further discussion is expected on long-term priorities for policy, innovation and governance, with a focus on building resilient digital infrastructure, promoting sustainable consumer practices, and supporting collaboration across industry and government to accelerate low-carbon transitions.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from Defra; DESNZ; DBT; DfT; DAERA, NI; CCC; Isle of Man Government; and The Scottish Government.
