UK Research and Innovation targets net-zero computing by 2040

UK Research and Innovation has partnered with the Centre for Environmental Data Analysis (CEDA) to implement a pilot exploring ways the agency can achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

The 18-month study will leverage £1.9 million ($2.5 million) in funding from the Natural Environment Research Council.

The pilot will include assessing UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s digital carbon landscape, running demonstrations and developing a roadmap for the decarbonisation of UKRI-owned and majority-funded infrastructure, including national supercomputing centres and smartphones.

CEDA is expected to come up with various mechanisms that will enable zero emissions in UKRI’s data acquisition, conservation, analysis and management. The project will target some nine organisations or divisions within UKRI.

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Dr Martin Juckes, Head of Atmospheric Science and Research and Deputy Head of CEDA, said: “We will set a benchmark for a realistic, rigorously evidenced, ambitiously scheduled, roadmap for the full decarbonisation of all elements of significant national infrastructure.

“The project will look at both the energy consumed by the computers and the impact of the supply chain.”

Brad Tipp of Microsoft, who joins the project on the Scientific Advisory Board, added: “Microsoft is delighted to be part of this new UK initiative to eliminate the carbon footprint of computational research, part of a growing global movement to meet and go beyond the Paris targets.”