Quantum for Energy and Utilities 2026

Quantum opportunities by subsector TABLE 1 Energy (generation and supply)Quantum computing Quantum sensing Quantum security and communication Fossil fuels Oil and gas Coal Optimize refinery processes to reduce energy intensity Reservoir modelling and seismic imaging with higher accuracy Subsurface mapping for hydrocarbon reservoirs Leak detection in pipelines and methane monitoring Secure SCADA* systems and pipelines from cyberattacks Renewable Solar Wind Hydro Materials discovery for more efficient solar PV and wind turbine composites Grid optimization for variable renewable integration Wind resource measurement with ultra-precise sensors Geothermal subsurface heat-flow mapping Secure decentralized solar and wind farms connected via smart grids Nuclear Fission Future tech Reactor design simulations Materials discovery for radiation-resistant components Radiation detection with extreme precision Quantum-safe encryption of nuclear facility operations and data Power and grid infrastructureQuantum computing Quantum sensing Quantum security and communication Transmission High-voltage network Cross-border interconnectors Large-scale optimization of high-voltage grid flows Cross-border power trading optimization Detect faults and line stress in real time Quantum key distribution (QKD) for ultra-secure grid communication Distribution Local grid Smart grid Local optimization of distributed energy resources (DERs) EV charging scheduling at grid scale Detect anomalies in local distribution networksSecure smart meters and IoT nodes Storage Battery Mechanical storage Simulate new battery chemistries beyond lithium-ion Catalyst design for hydrogen electrolysis and storage Monitor degradation of large-scale battery farms Secure storage facilities that connect to national grids1.4 Quantum solutions across the energy and utilities value chain The energy and utilities industry is undergoing multiple transformations, including decarbonization of generation and a digital revolution in infrastructure. In addition, demand for resilience and security is increasing across the whole value chain. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 of this white paper analyse quantum solutions – in the form of quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum security and communication – across the following three sectors (see Table 1): –Energy (generation and supply) –Power and grid infrastructure –Utilities (public services and critical infrastructure) * SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) is a software and hardware system designed to monitor, manage and control industrial processes, machines and infrastructure from a centralized location. Quantum for Energy and Utilities: Key Opportunities for Energy Transition 9