Australian quantum computing firm Diraq has been awarded AU$500,000 (about USD $330,000) in funding to explore how quantum computers can enhance the performance, sustainability and security of energy networks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The funding was awarded through the Australian government\u2019s Department of Industry, Science and Resources\u2019 Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP). The consortium, led by Diraq, brings together partners including the Real-Time Simulations (RTS) team in UNSW Sydney\u2019s School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, Macquarie University, OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES Australia and Australian Energy Market Operator, according to a media release.<\/p>\n
The project\u2019s aim is to ascertain the feasibility of using quantum computers to improve the optimisation of increasingly complex energy networks. To do this, quantum computers need to be integrated with real-time simulation tools that can enhance the accuracy, efficiency and scalability of these networks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Diraq\u2019s role in the consortium will involve building software that allows the RTS team to communicate directly with Diraq\u2019s devices, without the need for manual intervention.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will eventually allow non-experimentalists to perform experiments on Diraq\u2019s systems,\u201d said MengKe Feng, Diraq\u2019s Simulation & Device Physics Manager. \u201cIt\u2019s an initial step towards identifying real applications for quantum computers in the energy sector.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once the software has been designed, Diraq will run experiments with devices of 10 qubits to better understand how such algorithms could be implemented in larger devices. The project reflects the primary aim of the CTCP: to connect quantum computers with real-life applications, the media release said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are delighted to be awarded funding from the Australian Government,\u201d said Diraq\u2019s CEO and Founder, Andrew Dzurak. \u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity for the company to continue to form key partnerships with subject-matter experts in the quantum ecosystem, which will ultimately enable Diraq to deliver compact, affordable quantum computing that achieves utility scale ahead of its competitors.\u201d<\/p>\n
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