Quantum Computing to manage more data in the energy industry

Quantum computing is a different form of computing than classical computing, which greatly speeds up the performance of mathematical operations, algorithms, and even predictions. While the basic unit of classical computing is the Bit (ones and zeros), the basic unit of Quantum Computing is the QBit. All this may sound very complex, but beyond a technical explanation of Quantum Computing, in this article, we want to go into practice to find out what its implications are in the energy industry. What changes can Quantum Computing bring to energy?

Quantum computing in the energy industry

The energy industry is capable, thanks to technological advances, of collecting more and more data from different sources. Data on the state of electrical installations, energy production, and the state of elements such as wind turbines or solar panels, electricity distribution networks, etc. They can also increase data on user consumption, thanks to smart meters and even smart home appliances, knowing demand peaks, etc. And they could even obtain other types of data such as weather or add any information that may affect energy production or consumption.

The problem is that storing and managing this type of data, quickly and efficiently, is not easy and requires great computing power. And this is one of the areas in which Quantum Computing can intervene.

Thanks to the power of Quantum Computing, it will be possible to analyze the data and use it to make calculations and predictions much faster. This may serve to improve and enhance Machine Learning models, or even give digital twins more meaning. Thus, it will be easier to make energy production more efficient as well as the way in which it is distributed and consumed.

Quantum Computing use cases in the energy industry

As we mentioned, Quantum Computing could have applications both in the generation and in the transmission and distribution of energy. In this sense, we can find some use cases such as:

• Better choice of locations where plants are installed to produce energy.
• Search for solutions to reduce CO2 emissions, one of the great concerns of the energy industry in the area of ​​sustainability.
• Help in the creation of Smart Grids or intelligent electrical networks to benefit companies and consumers.
• Energy efficiency management.
• Detection of problems or fraud in electrical distribution, thanks to Machine Learning algorithms based on quantum computing.
• Promotion of renewable energies thanks to algorithms for predicting certain weather conditions.
• Increased research capacity on new forms of energy and storage, thanks to the development of technologies supported by quantum computers.

Although the possibilities are vast, we will still have to wait sometime to develop Quantum Computing to its fullest and realize its full capabilities. From here, it will be necessary to work little by little on the different use cases applicable to the energy industry. That is why at VASS we advise our clients to always stay ahead at a technological level and to be able to take advantage of all the opportunities of quantum computing in the shortest possible time.