Schneider Electric reacts to Government’s ‘Plan for Change’
Author: Simon Rowley
On 10 February 2025, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle, fired the ‘starting gun’ on data centres and AI – calling for UK local and regional authorities to put forward their plans to accelerate the development of AI Growth Zones as part of its ‘Plan for Change’, potentially attracting millions in private investment.
Responding to the UK Government’s press release – Government fires starting gun on AI Growth Zones to turbocharge Plan for Change – Mark Yeeles, Vice President, Secure Power Division, Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, reacts with the following comments:
“The news from the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, is welcomed by Schneider Electric, and demonstrates continued progress for the UK’s AI and critical national infrastructure (CNI) ambitions.
“As the government ramps up its Plan for Change, its continued engagement with the digital infrastructure ecosystem will not only be integral to accelerate sustainable, economic growth, but will play a key role in its mission to revitalise local communities by delivering much-anticipated new job opportunities, and identifying new measures reskill the workforce.
“At Schneider Electric we’ve long-seen the significant potential that the North West of England, particularly Greater Manchester and Leeds, presents to develop AI Growth Zones (AIGZ) and to further supercharge the AI opportunity. However, we must also recognise that Scotland and Wales are well-placed to catalyse growth via the development of new large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy systems, both of which will be vital.
“What’s clear is that as we move forward, solving the energy, sustainability and security challenges of artificial intelligence remains integral to deliver a greener future, powered by AI, and we look forward to working with both the government and the ecosystem to exceed these ambitions.”
For more from Schneider Electric, click here.
