Can EDF, Pasqal & GENCI's Quantum Tech Be the Future of EVs?

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EDF, Pasqal and GENCI's collaboration points to an exciting future for France's EV industry
A triumvirate of French energy companies - EDF, Pasqal and GENCI - has begun exploring how quantum technology help with demand forecasting for EV charging

The electric vehicle sector is one of the most innovative in the global economy today, and a new partnership between Pasqal, EDF and GENCI may be about to advance things a step further.

The collaboration between these three companies has been established for one purpose: to harness the untapped potential of quantum computing in the charging of EVs.

Using the power of quantum computing, energy providers and consumers alike will be able to receive important information about fluctuations in energy demand, which could have huge benefits for integrating renewable energy into national grids, for managing surges and troughs and for getting consumers the cheapest price possible.

Tackling the complexities of energy forecasting

The rise of electric vehicles is reshaping the energy sector. In France alone, EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 26% of new car sales in 2023, a 47% increase from the previous year.

This rapid adoption has introduced a host of challenges for energy providers, including balancing the grid's increasing strain and optimising electricity distribution. EDF, a leader in energy transition, has partnered with Pasqal to explore how quantum computing can address these issues.

Pasqal's innovative neutral-atom quantum computing technology enables the processing of intricate data sets that are beyond the capabilities of classical computing.

“The rapid progress we've seen over the last few months is tangible proof of the potential value of quantum computing in the energy forecasting space,” says Loïc Henriet, Co-CEO of Pasqal.

“EDF and GENCI are ahead of the curve in prioritising the deployment of new-age solutions capable of combatting the limitations of traditional computers and AI.”

Loïc Henriet, Co-CEO of Pasqal | Credit: Polytechnique de Paris

The role of the 'Pack Quantique' initiative

Central to this innovation is the Pack Quantique (PAQ) initiative, a quantum inception programme funded by local government in Île de France, the region of France that is home to Paris.

Launched with an initial investment of €1.5m (US$1.57m) in 2020, PAQ has supported three projects, including the collaboration between Pasqal and EDF. The programme aims to advance quantum computing technology and its applications in real-world scenarios.

GENCI, a prominent player in high performance computing, has played a crucial role in enabling this partnership. It was the first customer to adopt Pasqal's Ruby, a 100-qubit quantum system.

“This kind of innovation, demonstrated concretely on a physical system by Pasqal and EDF, is why we invest in projects like PAQ, which ultimately enables the entire ecosystem,” says GENCI’s Chief Technology Officer, Stephane Requena.

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EDF has been collaborating with Pasqal since 2018, focusing on solving complex optimisation problems within its R&D department. The latest development—a successful demonstration of energy demand forecasting on more than 100 qubits—offers a glimpse into the transformative potential of quantum technology.

“Our collaboration with Pasqal has been all about exploring new possibilities, and we've reached a new frontier of electricity management optimisation with quantum computers,” explains Joseph Mikael, Head of Quantum Computing at EDF.

Joseph Mikael, Head of Quantum Computing at EDF | Credit: EDF

The impact this technology could have on global sustainability

The implications of this collaboration extend far beyond improved EV charging. Accurate energy demand forecasting is essential for integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.

As renewable energy capacity grows, so does the challenge of managing intermittent supply from wind and solar power. Quantum computing, with its ability to handle vast and complex datasets, can enhance grid stability and enable better resource allocation.

Moreover, quantum technology could address broader optimisation challenges, such as scheduling electricity distribution in real time and reducing energy waste.

Loïc's vision of bringing quantum computing “out of the laboratories and into industries” underscores its potential to create meaningful change for consumers and businesses alike.

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How to scale this kind of technology

Despite these promising developments, scaling quantum computing technology remains a formidable challenge. Current systems, including Pasqal's Ruby, operate at a relatively small scale compared to the vast computational power required for widespread industrial applications.

However, the successful demonstration of a real-world use case signals steady progress towards overcoming these limitations.

Collaboration will be key to this progress. The partnership between Pasqal, EDF and GENCI highlights the importance of aligning expertise across quantum computing, energy and high performance computing sectors.

By pooling resources and knowledge, these organisations aim to accelerate the deployment of quantum solutions that address pressing global challenges.

Pasqal, GENCI and EDF leverage quantum technology for smarter energy forecasting

A glimpse of the future?

The collaboration between Pasqal and EDF represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of energy management. As EV adoption continues to surge and renewable energy sources become more prominent, the need for advanced computational tools will only grow.

Quantum computing's ability to deliver robust, real-time insights could reshape the energy sector, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.

For now, the partnership's success in forecasting energy demand using over 100 qubits offers a compelling glimpse into the possibilities ahead.

“At EDF, we are committed to harnessing the power of quantum computing to accompany the energy transition, and thanks to Pasqal we continue to make progress in this direction,” Joseph says.


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