INFRASTRUCTURE
AI IN THE UK – PREDICTIONS PAST 2025
Data centres are currently having to bear the brunt of AI challenges, including demand for faster processing and connectivity. There remains huge potential for the technology to accelerate research in critical industries and overcome high costs, while supporting
Peter Kyle MP businesses to innovate at scale.
The UK government reaffirmed its commitment to AI growth in the AI Energy Council meeting in April 2025. This cross-sector platform is designed to help shape a future where digital and energy priorities advance together.
“ The work of the AI Energy
Council will ensure we aren’ t just powering our AI needs to deliver new waves of opportunity in all parts of the country, but can do so in a way which is responsible and sustainable,” said Peter Kyle MP, the UK government’ s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
“ This requires a broad range of expertise from industry and regulators as we fire up the UK’ s economic engine to make it fit for the age of AI – meaning we can deliver the growth which is the beating heart of our Plan for Change.”
Equinix was a part of the discussion, with James Tyler in attendance to discuss AI energy requirements and how the government plans to deliver the power needed to support AI growth. James tells Data Centre Magazine:“ These ongoing conversations will be vital for the UK’ s AI success and I’ m excited to represent Equinix and the data centre industry in this process.”
Equinix is also dedicated to innovative data centre design and currently prioritises future-proof facilities by implementing efficient cooling systems and liquid cooling technologies.
“ Through these initiatives, Equinix not only addresses the immediate needs of the UK but also fosters a more sustainable future for the digital economy,” James says.“ To achieve our ambition of becoming one of the most sustainable digital infrastructure companies we understand the need to address all aspects of our footprint, including climate impact, water usage, resource usage, land utilisation, biodiversity, operational efficiency and innovative building and design.
“ We have cumulatively invested over £ 1 billion( US $ 1.32bn) in our UK operations, including data centre infrastructure, with an increasing proportion of our future investment focused on improving the efficiency of our operations.”
Investing in people is also something Equinix has been engaging with in order to meet talent demands and create more diverse opportunities within the UK.
“ Outside of our apprenticeship scheme, we strive to hire people from all walks of life, including some who join us later in their careers,”
96 June 2025