Green energy skills and AI in the UK

Abstract In this paper we explore how AI may aid the development of green energy technologies and in particular look at the implications of AI for green energy skills development in the UK. Using public and trade sources, we look at the current green skills shortfall, and then at how AI may transform the situation, not just improve resource and energy use efficiency and aiding training but also enable real time skills profiling and matching. More generally, we look at how AI could become a major driver for innovation and skills development in the green energy sector, enabling the rapid growth of a green energy industry and green economy. However, we note that positive gains like this are not certain and are not the only possible outcomes. With the expanded use of AI there are concerns about the potential deskilling and net job losses. We also note that, although there may be wider benefits, its predominant use at present is for commercial gain and the dominance of corporate interests seems to be reflected in the lack of AI regulation, which could be a major problem for a green future. It seems vital that AI is subject to careful and timely regulation in this sector as in others. (206 words)