AQW 32805/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 06/10/2025
Answered On Date: 15/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline the consideration she has given to the potential environmental impact of the enhanced energy needs, stemming from the growing use of Artificial Intelligence.

Answer:

I recognise that the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving increased energy demand, particularly through the development of large-scale data centres and the infrastructure needed to support advanced AI applications. While AI presents significant opportunities for economic growth, productivity, and innovation, it is essential that these benefits are balanced with our environmental responsibilities and net-zero commitments. My officials are actively assessing the increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence and considering appropriate policy responses, informed by recent studies such as those from Matrix and the AI Collaboration Centre, for example. My officials are establishing a working group to explore how we can collaborate with industry, academia, and wider society to both manage and fully realise the opportunities arising from the transition to AI and wider digital technologies. While my Department has no formal role in nominating projects, we are aware that two applications from the North have been submitted under the British Government’s AI Growth Zones initiative, which aims to accelerate the development of large-scale data centres and supporting AI infrastructure. Notably, the British Government’s criteria specify that applications demonstrating the use of renewable or low-carbon energy sources are to be viewed more favourably.