Embracing the Quantum Economy 2024

Use cases covered in automotives, aerospace and transportation A.1.6Use cases covered in energy and utilities (continued) A.1.5 Quantum sensing Geophysical surveys Quantum gravimeters utilize advanced quantum sensing technology to measure minute changes in gravitational fields. This capability is essential for conducting geophysical surveys, providing highly accurate data that can aid in resource exploration, geological mapping and infrastructure assessments in the energy and utilities sector. Hydrogen gas-leak detection93The HYDrogen sensor for Industry (HYDRI) consortium is led by BP and was awarded a £2.5 million funding by InnovateUK to develop a pair of quantum hydrogen gas sensors. One is for operational safety, and the other for fugitive emissions monitoring. Using a single-photon avalanche detector (SPAD), it becomes feasible to detect the faint, otherwise undetectable light reflected off hydrogen gas and generate an image of the gas cloud. Moreover, integrating a SPAD with a highly accurate time-of-flight (ToF) sensor – a type of range-imaging camera capable of determining the distance between the light source and the detector – enables the creation of a 3D representation. This advanced imaging makes it possible to quantify the gas leak. Hydrogen is expected to play a vital role as a transition fuel as well as in net-zero energy systems. Decarbonized hydrogen production could provide energy for hard-to-abate sectors such as iron, steel, chemicals and heavy transport (including trucks, ships and aircraft). Hydrogen is invisible and odourless but highly flammable when mixed with air. Hence, the energy industry needs efficient sensors able to rapidly detect small concentrations for safety, and to quantify emissions. Continuous methane monitoring (QLM Tech and TotalEnergies)94Continuous monitoring of emissions in the oil and gas industry is a major challenge due to the stringent cost requirements of the industry and the obvious need for its high durability, long lifetime and complete autonomy. QLM’s Quantum Gas Lidar technology meets these requirements, utilizing mature, robust and highly cost-effective and scalable near-infrared telecommunications components in a unique configuration for spectroscopic LiDAR. The technology provides highly accurate methane concentration imaging using an active scanning technique that can cover ranges of hundreds of meters. One of QLM’s earliest industrial partners is TotalEnergies, which maintains a dedicated testing facility at TADI (Transverse Anomaly Detection Infrastructure) in Lacq, France. Precise timekeeping (Chronos Technology, Infleqtion, NPL and PNDC)95Chronos Technology is researching to demonstrate the broadcast of UK’s NPL timing reference using a quantum clock provided by Infleqtion to the University of Strathclyde. This reference will be used by the university’s Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) to synchronize its systems. This will reduce the reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and improve the resilience of critical national infrastructure. The initiative establishes the evidence base for redistributing positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) data to air- and ground- based autonomous systems in a smart city infrastructure environment, and to accurately measure electricity grid performance, both of which rely on resilient timing reference. Quantum communication and security More resilient keys for secure supply-chain data transmission96Honeywell integrated Quantinuum’s QRNG technology to strengthen the cryptography in its range of smart meters. QRNGs generate truly random numbers, enhancing the security of data and control instructions sent to critical infrastructure. They can be used to enhance authentication and strengthen data encryption. Quantum- secure internal communicationsPQC involves developing cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to attacks from quantum computers. QKD uses the principles of quantum mechanics to securely distribute encryption keys. The energy and utilities industry operates critical infrastructure, such as power grids, water supply systems and gas pipelines. Ensuring the security of communications related to the operation and management of these infrastructures is of paramount importance. PQC and QKD can provide robust security for these communications, protecting them from the emerging threats posed by quantum computing. Quantum computing Aerodynamics simulations97Airbus is exploring quantum gate model applications for complex aerodynamics simulations and optimization in aircraft design. By utilizing quantum computing techniques, Airbus aims to solve intricate aerodynamic problems that are computationally intensive for classical computers. These simulations help in optimizing the design of aircraft for better fuel efficiency, reduced drag and improved overall performance. The quantum gate model allows for more accurate and faster simulations, leading to innovative designs, reduced development time and enhanced safety and efficiency in aircraft manufacturing. Modelling of corrosion in metals98IBM has worked with Boeing to simulate corrosion processes to improve composites used in airframes. The researchers developed two new techniques to perform quantum simulations of a key step in the corrosion process known as water reduction. Embracing the Quantum Economy: A Pathway for Business Leaders 54