UK to Boost AI Capacity 20-Fold with 100,000 GPUs in Ambitious Government Plan

Jan 13, 2025, 06:48 AM

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is set to unveil an ambitious AI Opportunities Action Plan aimed at transforming the country into a global leader in artificial intelligence. The plan includes a significant increase in computing capacity, targeting a 20-fold expansion by 2030 with 100,000 GPUs allocated for public and academic use. The initiative aims to integrate AI across various sectors, including using AI to spot potholes and enhance public services, effectively "mainlining AI into the veins" of the nation. Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that the UK cannot let AI "wash over our economy" and must not pit online safety against economic investment. Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden highlighted the government's commitment to leveraging AI to boost growth and improve efficiency, with the Treasury already using AI to reply to taxpayers' emails. The government aims to reassure the public about potential AI misuse while asserting that the UK doesn't need to follow a US or EU path on AI regulation.