Iberdrola, one of the world’s largest clean energy companies, has successfully partnered with Multiverse Computing, a global leader in value-based quantum computing solutions, to optimize the installation of grid-scale batteries in northern Spain. The pilot project, overseen by i-DE, Iberdrola’s distribution company in Spain, used quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms to select the optimal number, type, and locations of batteries on the grid network, reducing costs and increasing network performance.
Estibaliz Goñi, Process and Technology director of i-DE, stated that innovations like this will help achieve the smart and robust grids required for the energy transition. Enrique Lizaso Olmos, CEO of Multiverse Computing, emphasized the potential of quantum computing to support sustainability goals while saving costs. The project is part of Iberdrola’s Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub and the Gipuzkoa Quantum Program in Spain.
Iberdrola and Multiverse Computing Join Forces to Accelerate Energy Transition
In a groundbreaking pilot project, Iberdrola, Europe’s largest electricity utility, has partnered with Multiverse Computing, a leading quantum software platform, to develop a revolutionary solution for optimizing electric grids. The 10-month project leverages the power of quantum annealing and classical hardware to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in the energy sector: balancing investment in renewables and grid infrastructure.
The current imbalance in investment ratios between renewables ($1.00) and grids ($0.40) must be adjusted to at least 1:1 to achieve climate goals. To address this, the project team employed Multiverse Computing’s platform, Singularity, to optimize grid batteries across three key areas: initial cost, voltage control, and reliability.
By harnessing quantum-inspired techniques, which apply insights from quantum physics to develop better classical algorithms, the project achieved significant improvements in grid resilience and cost-effectiveness. This innovative approach enables users without prior experience in quantum computing to tap into the power of quantum optimizations, accelerating solutions for complex problems in the energy sector and beyond.
The pilot was developed under the umbrella of Iberdrola’s Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, a collaborative platform that brings together over 100 partner entities and companies to address the challenges of the energy transition. The project is also part of the Gipuzkoa Quantum Program, which offers financial incentives for collaborations between quantum startups and potential customers.
Iberdrola, a leader in renewables with a strong commitment to sustainability, has invested over €150 billion in building a sustainable energy model over the past two decades. Multiverse Computing, with its expertise in quantum and quantum-inspired AI algorithms, is dedicated to delivering tangible value across various industries.
This pioneering project demonstrates the potential of quantum computing to drive innovation in the energy sector, paving the way for more efficient, resilient, and cost-effective electric grids that can support the transition to a low-carbon economy. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, this collaboration serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the power of cutting-edge technology to accelerate our journey towards a sustainable future.
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