Quantum computing, the next big tech revolution: Quantum computing is creating a major buzz because of its ability to solve extremely complex problems at super speeds, and the energy sector is paying close attention to this tech and exploring possible applications for its operations as the need for a speedy green transition intensifies. A report by Mckinsey Digital identified a long list of quantum-computing applications which could eliminate over 7 gigatons of CO2 equivalent from the atmosphere a year by 2035 if implemented. Quantum computers could also make the operation of multiple conventional supercomputers obsolete in some cases resulting in a smaller CO2 footprint.

SOUNDSMART- How does quantum computing solve complex statistical problems? While digital computers have been making it easier for us to process information for decades, quantum computers are poised to take computing to “a whole new level,” McKinzey explains. Unlike the technology that powers laptops and smartphones, which is built on bits — a unit of information that can store either a zero or a one — quantum computing is built on quantum bits, or qubits, which can store both zeros and ones simultaneously. In other words, classical computers solve a problem with multiple variables by conducting a new calculation every time a variable changes, while quantum computers can explore a massive number of paths simultaneously, making them much faster.

KSA is making moves to explore the new technology: Aramco-backed Wa’ed Ventures invested in a USD 108 mn Series B for French quantum computing startup Pasqal in January. Pasqal said it will use the funding to further develop its quantum computing platform, which it believes will deliver major commercial advantages over classical computers by 2024, as well as expand the development of proprietary algorithms — algorithms that solve specific problems that translate into actions — for customers across key sectors including energy, automotive, mobility, enterprise technology, and finance. A couple of months after Wa’ed’s investment, Aramco signed an MoU with Pasqal to collaborate on accelerating the design and development of quantum based machine learning models for the energy sector. The French company said it aims to establish operations in the Middle East and grow its business in Saudi Arabia.

Optimizing energy consumption: Through a set of partnerships, Pasqal has set out to solve issues in vehicle charging, battery development, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and grid management. With France’s utility giant EDF, Pascal formulated a statistical model to address the problem of minimizing peak demand and stabilizing the grid — which is getting increasingly difficult as renewables that are intermittent in nature are added onto the grid. Optimizing energy demand and supply through the model can also help integrate the growing demand for electric mobility more smoothly. In collaboration with the European Innovation Council, Pascal used quantum computing to build simulations that can test electric battery and hydrogen fuel cell durability, safety, and affordability, removing the need for laboratory experiments. With France’s RTE company, Pascal also used quantum to model electricity grids to identify parts of the grid that have similar “operating modes,” and can serve as a basis for aggregating grid information or reducing the optimization processes.

More pathways to help tackle climate change in MENA: “Water desalination can benefit from quantum simulation since catalysts play an increasingly prominent role in emerging new methods,” professor of mathematics at NYUAD Hisham Sati told Fast Company Middle East. “Another example is the development of new catalysts to make CO2 conversion into hydrocarbons more efficient and selective, which is a key part of climate change mitigation strategies,” head of Science & Technology and lead of IBM Research Quantum Europe Heike Riel said. Trade routes are optimized with the help of quantum computing bringing down these emissions and help solve the maritime pollution problem, he added.

UAE looking into quantum computing to stay ahead of the curve: The Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) announced a research agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) in May to explore quantum computing applications. As part of the agreement, TII will gain access to a range of quantum computing technologies via AWS’ managed quantum computing service Amazon Braket, which has worked with renewables giants such as Spain’s Iberdrola, France’s Engie, and the US’ Baker Hughes to build a platform that reduces clients’ energy consumption. In 2018, Dewa began working with Microsoft to develop quantum-based solutions to address energy optimization, making It the first organization outside the US to participate in Microsoft’s Quantum program.

The region needs to stay on top of the game to avoid getting left behind: Other challenges to introducing quantum computing applications relate to the relative speed with which the MENA region economies will be able to exploit the new technology given that it will take time to grasp, shape, and formulate strategies for quantum computing, according to another PwC report (pdf). The report warns that the Middle East may “struggle to maintain or gain ground if it cannot match other parts of the world for analytics immediacy and precision.” The Gulf region should emulate the National Quantum Initiative Act in the US, which has already allocated USD 1.3 bn to train quantum engineers to build a quantum computing workforce, PwC Middle East partner Simnone Vernacchia told ComputerWeekly, adding that a viable quantum computing industry will only be possible in the GCC with a very significant investment in training future quantum engineers.”

And there are some obstacles: Unlike conventional supercomputers which release a lot of heat, quantum computers have an operating temperature of -273°C, meaning that it will operate at its peak energy-efficiency at that temperature, PwC explains. As a result, major steps in the commercialization of quantum computers are expected to come in parallel with finding cost-effective and energy-efficient ways to cool the super systems. Preparing cyber strategies for quantum computers will also be one of the top priorities before it can be commercialized, PwC emphasizes in its report, adding that a 2016 regional survey for security exposure and protection found the Middle East to be at higher risk of attack than other regions.