UK’s £86bn Science Push to Back Batteries and AI
The UK government has announced a sweeping £86 billion research and development package aimed at fuelling innovation across science and technology — with longer-lasting batteries and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence among its top priorities.
Set to reach £22.5 billion annually by 2029/30, the funding is designed to create high-skilled jobs and accelerate economic growth through homegrown innovation. For the energy sector, this investment could help unlock next-generation battery storage — a key enabler of clean power systems — and apply AI to improve everything from grid management to predictive maintenance.
While the funding spans life sciences, defence and semiconductors, the government spotlighted batteries and AI as examples of technologies that could deliver long-term dividends. As renewables like solar and wind make up an increasing share of the UK electricity mix, storage innovation will be critical to ensure reliable, low-carbon power 24/7. AI, meanwhile, has already begun transforming how energy is generated, distributed and consumed.
The funding also aims to decentralise innovation through local partnerships. Regions will receive up to £500 million to develop “innovation clusters,” empowering local leaders to steer investment based on local skills and needs. Projects already underway include AI-powered tools to detect network delays and medical accelerators leveraging big data — showing the potential for crossover benefits in both digital and energy transitions.
Announcing the plan, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the government is “investing in Britain’s renewal,” while Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle described R&D as “the foundation of the breakthroughs that make our lives easier and healthier.”