North Yorkshire bids to become AI Growth Zone

Drax Power Station could be home to a new AI and Clean Energy campus, according to the bid

York and North Yorkshire has bid to become one of five artificial intelligence (AI) technology "growth zones".

North Yorkshire Combined Authority, in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, Drax Power Station, the University of York and other organisations, has estimated that the investment could generate £85billion for the region.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said if the area is selected by government to become an AI Growth Zone, it would be a "transformational opportunity".

"It is bold and credible plan that could transform the economic future of Yorkshire and the Humber," he said.

The submission sets out how North Yorkshire, if successful in its bid, could benefit from a 15% share of the UK's AI economic growth by 2035.

The region would research the potential for AI to bring innovation to a number of sectors, including farming, life sciences, clean energy, rail innovation and creative industries, the bid claimed.

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According to the proposal, Drax Power Station, near Selby, would be home to a new AI and Clean Energy campus.

The bid claimed the site would be able to develop bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) to deliver carbon negative power, helping the UK to meet climate targets.

It also estimated that the zone would protect 7,000 jobs, including 3,500 in the north of England.

Richard Gwilliam, Drax development director, said the investment would "catalyse thousands of new jobs".

Mr Skaith said the region was "shovel ready" and that a successful bid would "empower the potential of our communities through skills, jobs and digital inclusion".

An announcement on the AI Growth Zone plan is expected on 11 June as part of the government's Comprehensive Spending Review, according to North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

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