YNYCA bids to become AI growth zone
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is looking to be selected as one of five artificial intelligence technology hubs throughout the UK, estimating it could generate £85bn for the region.
Working alongside North Yorkshire Council, Drax Power Station, and the University of York, the application sets out how, if selected, North Yorkshire could benefit from a 15% share of the country’s AI economic growth by 2035.
Priorities would include delivering on national priorities such as energy security, food security, and data sovereignty, and would accelerate the food and farming industries that North Yorkshire is already home to.
The money generated would be used to ‘supercharge’ the region’s growth plans, and would be used to push growth in the life sciences, clean energy, rail innovation, and creative industry sectors.
An announcement on the AI growth zone plan is expected on 11 June as part of the government’s Spending Review.
Drax Power Station, near Selby, has been put forward as the potential site for the growth zone and is the country’s largest single source of renewable power.
YNYCA said that if selected, it will enable the site to develop BECCS, deliver carbon negative power, and help the UK meet its climate targets.
Mayor David Skaith said: “Seizing on our long-established history at the forefront of innovation, York and North Yorkshire will deliver a pioneering, world-class AI Growth Zone.
“Our pitch to Government aligns with their ‘Plans for Change’. It is bold and credible plan that could transform the economic future of Yorkshire and the Humber…
“York and North Yorkshire stands ‘shovel ready’ to work with Government and to seize on this transformational opportunity.”
Drax development director, Richard Gwilliam, said: “Securing AI Growth Zone status would enable the creation of an AI and Clean Energy Campus at Drax Power Station, accommodating a potential carbon negative data centre alongside university, R&D and learning and development facilities.
“An AI Growth Zone in the region could create its own innovation ecosystem, foster entrepreneurship, attract major businesses, as well as drawing in more investment and turbocharging our economy.”
