The government has awarded a contract worth more than £1 million to a computing start-up to develop quantum algorithms to optimise energy grids.
Phasecraft has been given £1.2 million from the £15 million Quantum Catalyst Fund, which aims to fast-track the integration of quantum solutions in the public sector.
A Phasecraft spokesperson said that with the UK driving towards net zero, running the electricity grid is becoming increasingly complex as demand increases and millions more smaller renewable generators seek connections.
“This complexity means the traditional algorithms used to optimise the grid are no longer fit for purpose. Phasecraft will look to develop quantum solutions to this problem and will work with the Supergen Energy Networks Hub and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as part of the contract,” Phasecraft explained.
The government contract follows Phasecraft raising £13 million in Series A funding in August to reach “practical quantum advantage” which, it explained, is when quantum computers outperform classical computers for useful real-world applications.
The government has announced a total investment of £45 million in the UK’s quantum sector, £30 million of which will go to “developing and delivering world-leading prototype quantum computers”, while the £15 million Quantum Catalyst Fund will “accelerate the adoption of quantum solutions by the public sector, on projects from optimising power grids through to improving diagnosis of dementia”.
Ashley Montanaro, co-founder and chief executive of Phasecraft, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this new contract to develop quantum algorithms for solving hard optimisation problems relevant to energy grids as part of the UK’s Quantum Catalyst Fund.
“The grid is coming under increasing pressure as part of the move to net zero, and handling this complexity and improving resilience against vulnerabilities is a significant computational challenge.
“Quantum computing has the potential to solve important problems in a number of sectors, not least the public sector, and we’re glad that the UK government shares this belief.”
Science minister, Andrew Griffith, said: “As we steer towards an economy benefitting from quantum, this further £45 million in funding underscores our commitment to support bright UK innovators who are pushing boundaries and seizing the potential of this technology to transform our public services.
“Cutting-edge work on a quantum enabled brain scanner, which will be a beacon of hope for those battling neurological conditions, is just one example.
“The UK is already one global leader in quantum and to maintain that position this government will continue to invest in this transformational technology propelling the UK into a new era of technological prowess and economic growth.”