Quantum for Energy and Utilities 2026

CASE STUDY 9 Quantum communication Securing energy grid environment using quantum key distribution (QKD) In 2024, Verbund, Austria’s leading electricity provider, carried out a field trial of quantum-safe communication technologies, using hardware from Hitachi Energy together with ID Quantique’s QKD systems. The objective was to demonstrate that quantum-secure communication can operate reliably within a live energy grid environment, beyond laboratory conditions.The project secured communications between a power plant and a substation via a fibre-optic link deployed on an aerial (overhead) fibre line. Conducted under real operating conditions, the trial confirmed that QKD can be integrated into existing utility infrastructure without disrupting normal grid operations. By leveraging overhead line fibre assets, the implementation further demonstrated that quantum-safe key exchange can be embedded into conventional transmission and distribution network architectures.14 Quantum for Energy and Utilities: Key Opportunities for Energy Transition 21