Opportunities for quantum computing within net-zero power system optimization

Journal article : Review

Key conclusions: In this review, we identify significant and wide-ranging opportunities for recent breakthroughs in quantum-accelerated optimization to offer value for the transition to net-zero power systems. These opportunities span a variety of problems across planning and operation, which are key for reliable and affordable decarbonization.

Seminal discoveries highlighted in the review: We review the latest work on quantum computing for combinatorial power system optimization applications, including unit commitment, grid-edge flexibility coordination, and network expansion planning. In addition, we map state-of-the-art theoretical work to applications where quantum computing is underexplored, including convex and machine learning-based optimization.

Implications for research at different scales: Quantum computing creates opportunities for faster, larger-scale, and higher-fidelity optimization. This is relevant for researchers from engineering, economics, and computer science, as well as policymakers, network planners, system operators, and flexibility aggregators.

Potential future directions: To address challenges for industry implementation and scale-up, we propose new research into (1) benchmark problem definitions and performance criteria; (2) domain-specific algorithms and hardware for current noisy intermediate-scale devices; and (3) holistic power industry computing strategies integrating quantum computing with more immediate areas of classical computing innovation.

Authors: Morstyn, T; Wang, X

• Publication status: In press
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Cell Press
• Journal: Joule
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 6
• Pages: P1619-1640
• Publication date: 2024-04-22
• Acceptance date: 2024-03-28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2024.03.020
• EISSN: 2542-4351
• Language: English
• Keywords: power system optimization; optimal power flow; unit commitment; machine learning; quantum annealing; quantum computing; dispatch; NISQ; net zero; planning
• Subtype: Review