Quantum computing company Pasqal has partnered with the energy giant EDF to help address the complex optimisation problems associated with charging large fleets of electric vehicles (EV).
The collaboration between the two French firms will see Pasqal use its quantum processors, which control individual atoms with laser beams, to solve the complex optimisation problems associated with the running of an electric vehicle fleet.
Meeting increasing renewable energy demands
Increasing adoption of renewable energy along with the uptake of EVs has thrown up demand forecasting and supply optimisation challenges for EDF. These changes in consumer habits are coupled with the context surrounding energy requirements, such as the inherent unpredictability of renewable energy sources. For example, the output from renewables, such as wind and solar, is heavily dependent on environmental conditions. This makes it naturally variable and difficult to predict compared to traditional energy, complicating the forecasting models. Nuclear and gas plants are also unable to be activated or deactivated quickly to match these fluctuations.
Looking to address these challenges, EDF intensified its interest in quantum computing, recognising that traditional algorithms and classical computing struggle to keep up with the expansive simulation demands. With this, the EDF Quantum Project Team, led by Joseph Mikael, Head of Quantum Computing at EDF, began to seek solutions. Among them, a partnership with Pasqal.
Reframing the challenge to provide solutions
By taking advantage of quantum hardware, Pasqal is able to reframe the problem and solve it using trapped atoms controlled by laser beams, a method the firm says offers unprecedented efficiency and accuracy.
Reflecting on the technology that could benefit EDF, Loïc Henriet, Technical Director at Pasqal, said: “We develop quantum processors based on control of individual atoms with laser beams. In our quantum processor, we can physically realise with our atoms the graph in question and apply sequences of laser beams to be able to find this solution.”
The collaboration has benefitted both sides with Pasqal gaining insight into real-world industrial applications and challenges. At the same time, EDF has been able to use quantum solutions to optimise energy distribution, such as smart charging systems for electric vehicles.
Though the partnership was never just about solving a challenge with quantum technology, but rather actively engaging in day-to-day research, establishing a foundation for ongoing development together. In this way, the two organisations have also taken part in a joint multidisciplinary hackathon, attempting to demonstrate how quantum technologies can deliver large-scale solutions today, such as discovery, smart cities, and sustainable agriculture to renewable energy forecasting. The exercise also allowed EDF to harness Pasqal’s quantum technology to simulate and predict physical phenomena that directly impact energy production.
Educating the next generation about quantum computing
Beyond the collaboration with EDF, Pasqal has also recently signed an agreement with Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) to develop educational materials, train a quantum-ready workforce and enable groundbreaking research using Pasqal’s quantum technologies.
Commenting on the partnership, Vincent Aimez, Vice-President Partnerships and Knowledge Transfer at UdeS, said: “For more than 40 years, Université de Sherbrooke has been investing in quantum sciences and technologies to become a key player in the field, whether in research, innovation or training the next generation.”
Aimez continued: “The creation of the Quantum Institute, the designation of the quantum innovation zone in Sherbrooke, and the new Quantum Information Science Undergraduate Program are all examples that demonstrate the ongoing success of our efforts. Our collaboration with Pasqal also represents a significant step forward in our efforts to develop a quantum-ready workforce and foster innovation in quantum technologies. We look forward to an impactful collaboration.”
