CASE STUDY 1 Quantum computing Optimizing seismic imaging using hybrid quantum to build subsurface maps from large 3D seismic volumes Aramco researchers have made progress in creating clearer images of the Earth’s subsurface using a new combination of quantum and classical computing technologies. This early- stage work focused on improving a key process in seismic imaging, the technique used to create detailed pictures of geological subsurface layers that help guide energy exploration and development. The team used D-Wave’s hybrid quantum-classical systems to enhance a step that sharpens seismic images by identifying key geological features from noisy data. Unlike traditional computers, which struggle to efficiently enforce the right level of simplicity and clarity in these images, the quantum-assisted method was able to achieve better results by focusing on the most relevant data points. Because of current hardware limits, the test was run on 2D seismic data, simpler than the full 3D datasets typically used in industry, yet it still showed promising improvements in speed and image quality. This early success suggests that quantum-based methods could one day help solve more complex imaging challenges, such as building highly accurate models of subsurface geological properties, which are critical for finding and developing energy resources.5 CASE STUDY 2 Quantum sensing Monitoring methane at oil terminals with quantum lidar Oil terminals are hard to monitor because leaks can be small, intermittent and spread across dense equipment, so periodic manual inspections can miss short-lived events. Quantum gas light detection and ranging (lidar) is suited to this because it can scan large areas from fixed positions and quantify emissions remotely. In a 2023 case study, Repsol Sinopec Resources UK tested the methane lidar from QLM Technology at the Flotta Oil Terminal in Scotland. Over a week-long trial, two systems were mounted on platforms up to 20 metres high to detect and quantify methane across the site, including minor and intermittent emissions that are difficult to capture with walkover surveys. Reported benefits for this field-validated pilot were better detection of small leaks, site-wide source localization and quantification, and evidence that fixed-placement monitoring could support longer-duration terminal surveillance.6 Quantum for Energy and Utilities: Key Opportunities for Energy Transition 13

Quantum for Energy and Utilities 2026