Growing AI power slurpage prompts MPs to examine low-energy computing

The UK's Science, Innovation and Technology Committee has launched an inquiry into whether emerging low-energy computing technologies—neuromorphic computing and silicon photonics—can address the surging power demands of AI infrastructure. With datacenters expected to quadruple electricity use by 2030 while the UK pursues net-zero targets, the committee is examining whether these nascent approaches can move from prototype to practical deployment at scale. The inquiry will assess the maturity of these technologies, UK sovereign capability, and government support for research in the space.