15 Feb 2023

Event round-up: Quantum Computing in Energy & Utilities

An event recording and industry blogs

On 26 January 2023 we held an event focusing on the opportunities for quantum computing applications in the energy and utilities sector. We will uncover its potential, viability, and challenges.

The UK is developing strategies in emerging technologies that techUK continuously encourage to align to key national priorities such as levelling up, net zero and building a science and technology superpower.

Background

Quantum computers have the potential to deliver speeds for these calculations that are millions of times faster than today’s most powerful ‘classical’ computers. By using the quantum concepts of superposition and entanglement they enable multi-dimensional computing that can simulate the true complexity of the subatomic world. It is a paradigm that will transform our ability to understand and model.

Energy demand will continue to increase in order to facilitate electrification of heat and transport. There is set to be a 500% increase in data traffic over the smart meter network over the next four years, according to the Data Communications Company (DCC).

With energy demand and digitalisation of the energy system we will see rapid increase of volumes of data and a need for system optimisation. Traditional computational power may not be able to process all data nods needed to efficiently run the network.

On the Day

We heard opening remarks from our three speakers:

  • Andy Mason, Sales Director at D-Wave Systems
  • Daniel Goldsmith, Quantum Computing Technologist at the Digital Catapult
  • Kate Marshall Developer @ IBM Quantum Global Technical Ambassador Lead at IBM Quantum

Our speakers discussed current applications of quantum technology in the energy and utilities sector such as in optimisation, processing data, derivative pricing and spot pricing in energy trading, and many more.

Our expert panel spoke in length about how to approach the technology and start thinking about its applications. Firstly breaking down the problem you are facing, analysing the challenge you are trying to address and then what technology applications may be most appropriate.

Some of the challenges raised were skills and up-skilling people. Our experts discussed how they approach this issue and the academic institutions the work with.

Decarbonisation of the utilities sector is a key concern, and the panel discussed how quantum computing addresses this challenge as well as its own processing.

The full event recording is available below:

Quantum Campaign

As part of this event, we published articles from industry on the topic. You can read the blogs here:

 

Teodora Kaneva

Teodora Kaneva

Head of Smart Infrastructure and Systems, techUK

Teodora’s rich background varies from working in business development for a renewable energy lobbying association in Brussels to the fast moving technology innovation startup scene in the UK.

She has designed the market strategy for a German renewable energy engineering scale up for the UK, listed on Nasdaq private market, and now one of the fastest growing scale ups in the world. Previous experience also includes managing a renewable energy startup in London, which has built a small-scale biomass CHP power plant. Teodora is passionate about cross-industry collaboration and working together with academia to inform the design of future educational models and skill building.

Most recently Teodora has ran the commercial activities and business development at Future Cities Catapult, focusing on innovation in cities, digital health and wellbeing, mobility, and infrastructure. Teodora is a passionate STEM Ambassador and a vocal advocate for women in tech.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
020 7331 2016
Twitter:
@Teodora_K
Website:
www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/teodora-k-2969b021

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Laura Foster

Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster

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