Launching IDAIC to Promote AI for Industrial Decarbonization
In 2022, the world achieved a decarbonisation rate of just 2.5%—a far cry from the 17.2% annual reduction required to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Recognising the urgency of the challenge, the UK’s leading manufacturers, startups, and research organisations have launched the Industrial Decarbonisation AI Coalition (IDAIC), an initiative aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to drive industrial decarbonisation and accelerate progress toward climate goals.
The IDAIC serves as a collaborative platform pooling resources and expertise to foster innovation in AI-powered solutions. By advancing critical AI tools, the coalition seeks to transform industrial practices, ensuring the UK plays a pivotal role in addressing the global climate crisis.
Sherif Elsayed-Ali, co-founder of Nexus Climate, emphasised the UK’s unique position in this field:
“We believe the UK is in a prime position to grasp this opportunity and become the global leader in AI for industrial decarbonisation. We have some of the best materials and engineering research base in the world, combined with one of the top AI and machine learning ecosystems globally.”
Sarah Mackintosh, Director of Cleantech for UK, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving this vision:
“The collaboration between industry leaders and AI experts through IDAIC will be pivotal in accelerating the transition to sustainable industrial practices. We are excited to see the innovative breakthroughs that will emerge from this initiative.”
Chris Pilgrim, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Materials at Innovate UK Business Connect, underlined the untapped potential of AI in this space:
“Over the past few years we have seen a significant rise in the use of AI across most industries. Its vast potential is now being widely recognised, yet its role in industrial decarbonisation applications is yet to be fulfilled. This Coalition looks to address this imbalance and help bring some real-world change to those critical industries that truly need it.”
Founding Members and Objectives
The coalition is spearheaded by Nexus Climate and Cleantech for UK, with founding members including:
IDRIC - The Industrial Decarbonisation Research & Innovation Centre
The International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence under the auspices of UNESCO
The IDAIC’s initial focus will be on promoting AI applications in industrial processing and materials discovery. Key activities include raising awareness, providing education, and identifying opportunities for AI-driven innovation within critical sectors.
This bold collaboration demonstrates the UK’s commitment to tackling industrial emissions and positioning itself as a leader in the global fight against climate change. For membership enquiries and any further information, please contact info@idaic.org
