Quantum for Energy and Utilities 2026

Top technology adoption challenges FIGURE 10 Technical scalability, error rate, hardware maturityStrategic high adoption cost, unclear ROI etc.People & ecosystem talent gap, industry readiness, collaborationData & integration model complexity, interoperabilitySecurity & compliance critical infrastructure, regulatory barriers62%31%8% 58%35%8% 50%50% 40%52%8% 20%52%28% High Moderate Low Source: Community survey, World Economic Forum’s Quantum for Energy and Utilities Working Group, February 2026. 5.2 Actions to overcome quantum technology adoption challenges Organizations’ near-term quantum technology adoption should follow a pragmatic, risk-managed approach across the following five key areas: –Strategy –Technology –Data and integration –Security and compliance –People and culture The priorities are clear: targeted low-risk pilots, incremental technical integration, strong security foundations and workforce readiness. This approach ensures early quantum adoption is incremental and responsible rather than a disruptive overhaul. Community insights for actions toward technology adoption challenges Early actions focus on budget allocation, feasibility studies, prioritization and piloting. Mid-term actions emphasize scaling-up, institutional embedding and standard training. Long-term actions envision quantum as a permanent infrastructure capability. The priorities are clear: targeted low-risk pilots, incremental technical integration, strong security foundations and workforce readiness. Quantum for Energy and Utilities: Key Opportunities for Energy Transition 35