Embracing the Quantum Economy 2024

Use case impact analysis for energy and utilities FIGURE 15 Low Medium High Very high FeasibilityBusiness value Research PoC/PoV4Scaled Pilot4 29 10 6 75 31 811 52 9 10 1143 81 6 7Large-battery charging optimization Tailings treatment (used by Accenture, Quantum City) Optimization of supply-chain providers Geophysical surveys (quantum gravimeters) Vehicle-to-grid optimization (Accenture) More resilient keys for secure supply-chain data transmission – QRNG¹ (Honeywell, Quantinuum) Quantum-secure internal communications (PQC/QKD)² Shallow subsurface imaging (Saudi Aramco) Hydrogen gas-leak detection (quantum gas sensors, used by HYDRI consortium led by BP) Continuous methane monitoring (quantum gas LiDAR,3 QLM Tech, TotalEnergies) Precise timekeeping (quantum clocks, Chronos Technology, Infleqtion, NPL, PNDC)Quantum sensing Quantum communications and security Quantum computing3.2.5. Energy and utilities The integration of quantum technologies into the energy and utilities sector promises to not only improve operational efficiencies and energy management but to also foster significant advancements in renewable energy and sustainable practices. As electric vehicles and renewable energy sources become increasingly prevalent, there is a pressing need to adapt and enhance energy infrastructures to meet this surge in demand. Advances in quantum sensing will soon enable new geological survey methods at previously impossible resolutions. Decision-makers and policy influencers need to consider the following insights: 1. Implementing quantum computing pilots to address the substantial challenges posed by the integration of new electric modalities into the energy grid (use case 1), fine fluid tailings treatment (use case 2) and enhanced seismic data processing and subsurface imaging efficiency has been demonstrated by Saudi Aramco’s shallow subsurface imaging quantum application (use case 8). These technologies are critical for optimizing grid management, achieving breakthroughs in sustainability and cost efficiency, and advancing subsurface imaging capabilities, respectively. 2. Utilizing quantum sensing technologies to enhance environmental condition forecasts (use case 10) is essential for understanding the global impacts on the grid and other energy infrastructure. Early deployment of quantum sensors for geophysical research, resource exploration, seismology and environmental science will significantly enhance energy companies’ readiness for future environmental changes and challenges (use case 4). 3. Implementing post-quantum security protocols, QRNGs and QKD to secure the grid today is essential for a better tomorrow. Electrical trading regulations are of huge importance in the market for energy stakeholders. They use very sensitive data, so finding ways to enhance the communication of Source: World Economic Forum in collaboration with Accenture Note: 1 Quantum random number generator, 2 Post-quantum cryptography/quantum key distribution, 3 Light detection and ranging, 4 Proof of concept/proof of value Embracing the Quantum Economy: A Pathway for Business Leaders 36