Pasqal, GENCI & EDF Transforms EV Smart Charging Solutions
Pasqal, a global leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, in partnership with the Grand Équipement National de Calcul Intensif (GENCI) and EDF, has demonstrated the transformative potential of quantum technology in energy demand forecasting for EVs. The groundbreaking achievement, realised on over 100 qubits, showcases the ability of quantum computing to tackle the growing complexity of electricity management in the era of renewable energy and EV adoption.
The growing complexity of energy demand
As EV adoption surges—with 26% of new cars sold in France in 2023 being EVs or plug-in hybrids, marking a 47% increase from the previous year—managing electricity demand has become increasingly intricate. Integrating diverse renewable energy sources has further complicated the landscape, necessitating advanced forecasting and optimisation tools.
Traditional computing methods often struggle to meet these challenges, making quantum computing a promising alternative.
Loïc Henriet, Co-CEO of Pasqal, stated:
“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.
“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.”
Pasqal’s neutral-atom quantum technology
Founded in 2019 by Nobel Laureate Professor Alain Aspect and a team of distinguished scientists, Pasqal is pioneering the application of neutral-atom quantum computing to real-world problems.
Its quantum processors, constructed from ordered neutral atoms arranged in 2D and 3D arrays, offer a practical quantum advantage by efficiently handling complex datasets.
Pasqal’s partnership with EDF has been a cornerstone of the initiative. Since 2018, the two organisations have collaborated to address challenging optimisation problems in energy management.
The latest milestone, achieved under the Pack Quantique (PAQ) program funded by the Île de France Paris Region, highlights the feasibility of implementing electricity demand algorithms on Pasqal’s cutting-edge quantum systems.
GENCI: A pillar of quantum innovation
GENCI, a public research infrastructure established in 2007, has been pivotal in advancing quantum computing through initiatives like the PAQ program.
The agency’s mission includes democratising high-performance computing and integrating quantum technology to bolster French scientific and industrial competitiveness.
Stephane Requena, CTO of GENCI, highlighted the significance of these advancements:
“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.”
GENCI’s involvement has been instrumental in deploying Ruby, a 100-qubit quantum system, at the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). The system has facilitated critical research and experimentation, paving the way for scalable quantum applications.
A vision for the energy transition
EDF, a global leader in low-carbon energy, is leveraging quantum computing to optimise electricity distribution and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
“Our collaboration with Pasqal has been about exploring new possibilities, and we’ve reached a new frontier of electricity management optimisation with quantum computers. At EDF, we are committed to harnessing the power of quantum computing to accompany the energy transition.”
The implications of these advancements extend beyond research, offering practical solutions to real-world challenges. By enabling precise energy forecasting and resource allocation, quantum computing can enhance grid reliability, reduce costs and support the broader adoption of EVs.
The partnership between Pasqal, EDF and GENCI represents a significant leap forward in applying quantum computing to energy management. As Pasqal continues to develop its technology and scale its systems, the potential for quantum computing to revolutionise industries becomes increasingly evident.
“Our continued work with Pasqal is fueled by the understanding that quantum computing can unlock results unachievable by classical computing, which creates better living conditions for the average energy consumer,” added Stephane.
Through initiatives like PAQ and the deployment of cutting-edge quantum systems, Pasqal and its partners are advancing technology and laying the groundwork for a sustainable, efficient and electrified future.
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