Researchers are using quantum computing to optimise energy grids

CERN’s Open Quantum Institute has launched a project to advance the quantum optimisation of power grids with quantum software developers Classiq and Wolfram Research. The two companies intend to collaborate on applying hybrid quantum-classical methods to challenges in electrical network optimisation which are increasingly important in an age where the grid is comprised of both traditional and renewable energy generation sources.

The focus will be on the ‘Unit Commitment Problem’ of optimally scheduling generation units to a set of conditions, such as matching demand at the lowest cost. This is becoming increasingly complex for traditional computation as the numbers of generators and generation units, such as micro grids, grow.

Mads Bahrami, Head of Academic Innovation of US headquartered Wolfram Research, comments that the partnership leverages the complementary strengths of the two companies – Classiq’s in quantum software development and Wolfram’s in symbolic and numerical computation.

“We look forward to contributing to quantum approaches that address the complexities of modern energy systems.”

Nir Minerbi, CEO of Israeli company Classiq, adds that with Open Quantum Institute’s collaborative environment, the boundaries can be pushed of what’s possible in quantum optimisation for energy systems.

“Our participation reflects our commitment to solving industry-scale problems using quantum computing.”

The Open Quantum Institute, currently in the pilot phase following its launch in March 2024 and hosted by CERN in Geneva, Switzerland as part of its Quantum Technology Initiative, aims to explore the potential of quantum technologies to benefit society. Thus, each project is linked to one or more of the sustainable development goals - in the case of energy, to SDG 7 on universal access to energy.

In addition to bringing together quantum experts and others, its goals include broadening access to quantum computers through partnerships with industry providers and building an educational consortium to develop capacity building skills and to make educational materials available globally.

In the ‘Smart grid management’ project, Classiq and Wolfram intend to explore quantum computing techniques combining quantum software synthesis to scale programmes with advanced mathematical frameworks to enhance the scalability, efficiency and real-world applicability for energy providers and grid operators to improve unit commitment problem solutions.

Specific deliverables include scalable quantum optimisation models for energy grid management, hybrid quantum-classical workflows that can integrate with existing energy sector infrastructure and benchmarking studies to assess performance gains over classical solvers.

The ‘Smart grid management’ project is one of several projects of relevance to the energy sector at various stages of development in the Open Quantum Institute.

Another underway is on the optimisation of the layout of wind turbines in a wind farm, which is being undertaken in a GB-India collaboration by the University of Plymouth and the G Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Sciences.

Proposals also are in hand for projects to improve the accuracy of the simulation of novel battery materials that could accelerate the development of new rechargeable battery technologies with enhanced performance, to model inertial fusion implosions that enable fusion to result and energy generation to occur and to improve simulations of the molecular interactions involved in carbon capture.

An additional grid management optimisation project is also in proposal stage, in this case on the optimal integration of renewable energies, taking into account the challenge of their low density and intermittent nature, in order to enhance grid reliability.