Governments incentivise quantum computing adoption, lower energy consumption, and drive innovation by providing tax incentives and research funding, fostering sustainability and energy-efficient practices.

FREMONT, CA: Quantum computers are on the verge of revolutionising society in two major ways. Firstly, they can solve complex problems that traditional computers struggle to handle efficiently. Secondly, they pave the way for the development of groundbreaking energy-saving technologies. This dual approach, which combines enhanced computational efficiency with the promotion of innovative energy-conserving solutions, is set to reshape the fields of high-performance computing and sustainable energy conservation.

Unleashing New Energy-Saving Technologies

Quantum computers possess exceptional computational power, which holds the potential to accelerate the exploration and advancement of energy-conserving technologies. By harnessing their capabilities, quantum computers contribute to the development of enhanced electric vehicle batteries, deeper comprehension of the Haber Bosch process used in ammonia production, optimised routing for energy-efficient logistics, and the creation of more effective solar cells. These breakthroughs can revolutionise energy conservation efforts across various industries.

Recent advancements indicate that early-generation quantum machines, expected to be accessible in the early 2030s, have the potential to make significant contributions to the most impactful technologies in the fight against global warming.

Quantum computing shows promise in advancing novel catalysts for environmentally friendly ammonia production, utilising green hydrogen power, and implementing carbon capture technologies. Moreover, it explores the vital role of quantum computing in developing innovative materials, optimising fluid dynamics, and enhancing logistics systems. The potential applications of quantum computing in these areas can drive significant progress towards sustainable and efficient practices.

In the electric vehicle industry, quantum computers have the potential to revolutionise battery design by enabling batteries with increased energy densities and faster charging capabilities. Such advancements would greatly enhance the range and usability of electric vehicles. Additionally, by deepening our understanding of the Haber Bosch process, which consumes a substantial amount of global natural gas, quantum computers could pave the way for more energy-efficient approaches to ammonia production. These developments highlight the transformative impact that quantum computing can have on both the electric vehicle sector and sustainable ammonia production methods.

Quantum computers can optimize logistics operations by streamlining routing, resulting in reduced travel distances for vehicles and consequent fuel savings. In the realm of renewable energy, quantum computers play a crucial role in the development of highly efficient solar cells. By enhancing energy conversion efficiency, the quantum-assisted design of solar cells makes solar power a more practical and attractive alternative to traditional fossil fuels. These applications demonstrate how quantum computing can contribute to fuel efficiency in logistics and drive advancements in renewable energy technology.

The Energy Efficiency of Quantum Computers

When assessing the energy efficiency of quantum computers, it is important to consider the staggering energy consumption of the most powerful supercomputers. These supercomputers, composed of interconnected CPUs (Central Processing Units) and GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), form a network that drives their computational capabilities. The energy consumption of supercomputers increases nearly linearly with the number of these processors. To achieve double the computational speed, approximately twice the number of processors would be needed.

On the other hand, the computational capacity of a quantum computer experiences exponential growth as the number of qubits increases. This exponential scaling is made possible by the quantum phenomena of superposition and entanglement. It is this exponential growth that underlies the potential of quantum computers to surpass the computational power of traditional supercomputers.

Moreover, the exponential increase in computational power of quantum computers does not correspond to a similar surge in power consumption. Consequently, quantum computers are expected to maintain significantly higher power efficiency compared to supercomputers, even when delivering comparable or superior computational performance.

For instance, a 10,000-qubit quantum computer, estimated to consume around 10 kW of power, would still account for less than one-tenth of a per cent of the energy consumed by the most powerful classical supercomputers. If this 10,000-qubit quantum computer were capable of handling just five per cent of the tasks performed by a supercomputer like Frontier, it could potentially save nearly ten gigawatt-hours of energy annually, resulting in cost savings exceeding one million dollars. This stark contrast in energy efficiency highlights the significant potential of quantum computers to contribute to substantial energy savings and cost reductions in computational tasks.

Global data centres are estimated to consume between 220-320 TWh of electricity, representing approximately 0.9-1.3 per cent of the overall global electricity demand. To address this considerable energy consumption, governments have introduced incentives for businesses to incorporate quantum computers into their sustainability initiatives. By promoting the adoption of quantum computers, businesses can help reduce this percentage of energy consumption and move towards more energy-efficient computing practices.

One approach taken by governments is to provide tax incentives to organizations investing in quantum computing or allocate funds for quantum computing research, thereby increasing accessibility for businesses. These measures stimulate energy innovation while simultaneously reducing overall energy consumption. By incentivizing and supporting quantum computing initiatives, governments encourage businesses to embrace this technology, foster energy-efficient practices, and drive advancements in the field.

Governments play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of quantum computing within sustainability programs. They achieve this by providing tax incentives to organizations that invest in quantum computing and by allocating funds for research. These initiatives enhance accessibility for businesses and stimulate innovation in energy efficiency. Consequently, this approach helps reduce overall energy consumption and encourages businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices. By incentivising and supporting quantum computing initiatives, governments actively contribute to the development of a sustainable and efficient computing ecosystem. This, in turn, leads to advancements in energy-saving technologies and a more sustainable future.