A former UK chancellor and current senior OpenAI executive has warned that opposition to datacentres is hindering the country’s ability to control its own AI advancements. As protests against the energy-intensive facilities spread nationwide, the official argues that local resistance—often called "nimbyism"—is delaying critical infrastructure needed to secure technological independence. His role at OpenAI involves advising governments on AI strategy, including the development of datacentres, which he frames as essential for national sovereignty in the field. The comments highlight a growing tension between environmental concerns and the push to dominate AI innovation.
Former chancellor, now senior figure at OpenAI, says UK needs datacentres to maintain ‘sovereignty’ over AI techUK politics live – latest updatesDatacentre nimbys are holding Britain back, George Osborne has said in reaction to nationwide protests about the giant water-and-energy guzzling structures.The Tory former chancellor is now the head of AI for countries at OpenAI, an artificial intelligence company and the developer of ChatGPT. His job is to represent the company to governments around the world, and he also has a role in enabling the building of datacentres and other infrastructure. Continue reading...
