Strategic roadmap for leaders 5 From pilots to impact, leaders need to prove value fast, strengthen security, build capability and scale up quantum responsibly across energy and utilities. 5.1 What holds quantum technology adoption back? Energy and utilities companies see quantum as promising for grid optimization and planning, but adoption is difficult in practice. Strategically, it is hard to fund work when benefits depend on very specific problems; and much of today’s progress is still in pilots and benchmarking rather than having proven operational impact. Technically, current systems are limited by noise and scale, so results can be fragile and often require hybrid quantum and classical workflows plus rigorous validation. Data and integration can be a bigger barrier than algorithms, because useful experiments depend on clean network models and operational data; they must then connect back into long-lived OT and IT platforms used for control and planning. Security and compliance add urgency, because critical infrastructure must plan for post-quantum cryptography and manage the risk of data being captured now and decrypted later, while meeting strict regulatory controls. Finally, progress is constrained by scarce talent and a still maturing ecosystem, pushing utilities toward partnerships with labs, vendors and industry initiatives.Energy and utilities leaders must keep services reliable, affordable and secure as operations become more digital and complex. This roadmap sets out what leaders should do in a staged manner, so that quantum moves from interest to practical impact: Stage 1 (within 2 years): Focus on a small number of high-value problems, run low-risk pilots with clear success measures, build internal capability and trusted partners, and start planning for post- quantum cryptography. Stage 2 (3-5 years): Move from pilots to scale up by embedding quantum work into business strategy and wider digital and security roadmaps, standardizing delivery and integration, and beginning broader security upgrades. Stage 3 (5+ years): Treat quantum as a normal part of the technology stack, supported by a steady innovation pipeline and sector alignment on standards, procurement and regulation. Quantum for Energy and Utilities: Key Opportunities for Energy Transition 33

Quantum for Energy and Utilities 2026