Labour’s ambition to make Britain an AI “superpower” could face significant challenges related to power supply and planning regulations, according to Alan Beresford, Managing Director of EcoCooling.
While much of the public discourse around AI investment has focused on the development and application of the technology, Beresford points out that there has been far less attention given to the critical infrastructure needed to support it.
AI Considerations Labour Need to Be Aware Of
The equipment used to run AI applications places far more demands on data centres than conventional computing systems. This shift necessitates a complete rethink of how data centres are designed and operated to ensure they are both efficient and future-proofed for future equipment.
Beresford, whose company specialises in providing cooling solutions for high-performance computing (HPC) environments, warned that the energy requirements for AI could be “stratospheric,” potentially placing pressure on the UK’s already strained energy grid. He questioned whether UK energy companies could guarantee a reliable and competitively priced power supply, especially when compared to regions such as the United States and the Nordic countries, which have existing infrastructure in place.
These countries, which have large-scale data centre operations in sectors such as cryptocurrency mining, not only offer cheaper power but also more accessible space and political environments that make it easier to build new facilities. In this context, Beresford raised concerns that the UK could struggle to compete for investment in AI infrastructure, particularly given the high costs and regulatory hurdles in the country.
In addition to the energy concerns, Beresford emphasised that the equipment required for AI operations demands a major overhaul of how data centres function. To keep pace with evolving AI technology, facilities need to adopt innovative and cost-effective approaches to their operations.
How Efficient Cooling Can Help the Economy
EcoCooling has built its reputation on developing efficient cooling solutions for HPC environments, from rendering farms to cryptocurrency operations, and now AI. Notably, all of EcoCooling’s equipment is designed and manufactured in the UK, utilising local suppliers and staff.
Beresford suggested that this type of domestic innovation in infrastructure should be supported as part of the UK’s AI initiative, with a focus on growing manufacturing businesses that can provide the advanced, sustainable infrastructure necessary to support the AI revolution.
Furthermore, Beresford questioned whether the government’s focus on becoming an AI superpower is the most pressing priority for the UK at present. With many businesses facing economic uncertainty, he suggested more attention should be given to supporting established industries, such as manufacturing, which are in need of investment to help them thrive.
“Many companies are halting investments in anything that isn’t absolutely essential,” he explained. “Perhaps the government should focus on supporting entrepreneurs and industries that are already in place.”
Beresford also cautioned that projects like HS2 and the AI superpower vision might be seen as “vanity projects” if they fail to address more immediate and practical needs. “We should be looking after entrepreneurs working in small businesses,” he added, suggesting that government efforts could be better directed towards providing tangible support to sectors that form the backbone of the UK economy.
To discuss your industrial and data centre cooling needs, get in touch with us today.
- Published February 12, 2025
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Emma Beresford
Director at EcoCooling.
Driving the development of sustainable cooling solutions.
An experienced sales and marketing manager, working with SMEs to successfully develop and execute growth strategies. Key achievements have been in the identification and entry strategy for new markets via alignment and reapplication of existing IP/technology to new products and services.
