Quantum Technologies for the Energy Sector
Powering a cleaner, smarter, and more secure energy future
➔ Energy is Evolving - Fast
Australia’s energy system is undergoing a rapid and complex transformation. The transition to renewables, increasing grid decentralisation, rising demand for energy storage, and the urgent need to decarbonise are creating new challenges for operators, planners, and technology providers.
Quantum technologies are emerging as enablers that could help manage the scale, complexity, and precision required to future-proof our energy systems, from optimising renewable integration to enhancing grid resilience and accelerating materials discovery.
Quantum Technology for Real-World Energy Challenges
Opportunities for quantum impact
Grid Complexity and Optimisation
Quantum computing enables real-time optimisation of large-scale, decentralised energy networks with millions of interconnected devices.
Security and Resilience
Quantum-secure communication (e.g. QKD) protects critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.
Energy Storage and Load Balancing
Quantum algorithms and battery research are paving the way for more efficient charge/discharge cycles and high-density storage.
Fault Detection and Predictive Maintenance
Quantum sensors offer early identification of system faults, minimising downtime and improving operational efficiency.
Materials Discovery for Renewables
Quantum simulation accelerates the development of advanced materials for solar, hydrogen, and battery technologies.
Market Forecasting and Trading
Quantum-enhanced forecasting tools improve bidding strategies, simulate market behaviour, and optimise supply-demand balancing.
Where Quantum Fits in the Energy Supply Chain
From generation to consumption, quantum has applications across the entire energy value chain:
| Stage | Quantum Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Discovery & Extraction | Quantum sensors (gravimeters, magnetometers) to locate underground hydrogen, minerals, and CCS reservoirs with greater accuracy |
| Generation | Quantum simulation for solar cell design, hydrogen catalysts, and nuclear fusion modelling |
| Distribution | Real-time fault detection and optimisation in decentralised networks |
| Storage & Load Balancing | Optimisation of battery dispatch and design of future quantum batteries |
| Market Trading | Improved forecasting and bidding via quantum optimisation algorithms |
Industry Activity and Pilot Projects
Quantum-enabled innovation is already underway in energy
Diraq
Awarded AU$500,000 to explore how quantum computing can enhance performance, security, and sustainability across energy networks
Deakin University
Building a testbed for quantum-secure microgrid communications (CV-QKD)
SQC + Schneider Electric + UNSW
Advancing quantum machine learning to optimise real-time energy decisions in grid operations
CSIRO Quantum Batteries Program
Investigating ultra-fast charging and energy transfer efficiencies using quantum principles
ARENA & CEFC
Supporting renewable pilots that integrate quantum sensing and optimisation technologies
QuantX Labs + Siemens + Swinburne
Developing quantum timing technologies for secure, scalable grid coordination
Barriers to Adoption and How We Help Overcome Them
Making quantum accessible and impactful for the energy sector
Technical Readiness
Quantum hardware still faces scalability and error correction challenges. We work with industry and research partners to identify viable near-term use cases and support R&D investment pathways.
Infrastructure Integration
We help energy providers and technology developers navigate integration with legacy systems and identify where quantum promises to add the most value today and tomorrow.
Awareness and Alignment
The energy and quantum sectors speak different technical languages. We foster cross-sector dialogue to ensure alignment on shared challenges, timelines, and impact metrics.
Skills and Workforce Development
We’re addressing capability gaps by connecting industry to training, researchers, and national networks that can support long-term capability development.
Collaboration and Funding
We help form collaborative partnerships between utilities, energy tech companies, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate applied quantum innovation.
Use Cases
Connect with Our Partnerships Team
Ready to explore how quantum can support your energy innovation goals?
Whether you’re in grid operations, energy storage, renewables, or policy, Quantum Australia can help you assess readiness, identify relevant technologies, and connect with the right partners to move from pilot to implementation.
Let’s shape a smarter, cleaner, and more secure energy future together.