How will quantum computing accelerate the transition to carbon neutrality?

The world is not moving fast enough to limit global warming.

We need more radical solutions to drive decarbonization. This will require significant cost reductions and acceleration in adoption rates for climate technologies. By solving the most challenging computational barriers in R&D, quantum computing can and will play a leading role in the development and scaling of breakthrough climate technologies. But in order to do this in time, the work needs to start now.

Quantum computing can play a key role in accelerating decarbonization

Qlimate is a major quantum computing net zero initiative driving large-scale decarbonization. We are backed by PsiQuantum, which is uniquely positioned to build the first utility-scale quantum computer well within this decade. PsiQuantum has dedicated a substantial share of initial quantum computing capacity to high-impact sustainability applications, and we are building partnerships with corporates, governments and non-profits to develop and scale end-to-end the most promising decarbonization solutions that will take years off the path to net zero – and contribute towards the planet getting back on a 1.5°C pathway.

Use Case Examples

 

  • Green hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize transport, industry and power storage, but suffers from high production costs. Quantum computing would increase the viability of green hydrogen by enabling cheaper, more efficient and more durable polymer membrane materials and catalysts, and optimized power consumption strategies. Using quantum computing to improve efficiency in the creation of green hydrogen could be key to moving towards cost-parity with natural gas to ensure the adoption of this more sustainable alternative.


  • Ammonia is the basis of the fertilizers necessary to feed the world’s population, but the Haber-Bosch process currently relied upon to produce ammonia is highly energy-intensive - accounting for around 2% of annual global CO2 emissions. Yet in nature ammonia is produced with tantalizing efficiency by a biological enzyme known as nitrogenase. Quantum computing’s unique capabilities in simulating and understanding enzyme chemistry offers the chance to replicate the action of nitrogenase with a manufacturable artificial catalyst. In this way quantum computing could help usher in a new era of low energy ammonia production from just water and air.

  • Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous and a crucial puzzle piece on the journey to net zero, yet their exact electrochemistry remains elusive. Fault tolerant quantum computing allows more accurate simulation of battery electrolyte molecules and electrode materials. Such understanding is key in developing drastic improvements in battery energy density, safety, charge time, cost, durability and even recyclability. Such improvements would accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles by many years – including in the energy-intensive heavy goods vehicle sector.

Enabling breakthrough end-to-end climate technologies through quantum computing

  • We build partnerships that develop and scale end-to-end climate technologies enabled by quantum computing.

  • QLIMATE WILL HAVE ACCESS TO PSIQUANTUM’S FIRST UTILITY-SCALE QUANTUM COMPUTER

    In the face of the inevitable scarcity of the first quantum computers, PsiQuantum will commit initial quantum hardware capacity to the highest impact climate change use cases identified by Qlimate. Qlimate is partnering with business, government and philanthropy to identify the most promising sustainability use cases for quantum computers, develop algorithms for deployment on PsiQuantum’s fault-tolerant machines and scale end-to-end the most promising decarbonization solutions. Taken together, these use cases will enable large-scale decarbonization impact and contribute towards the planet getting back on a 1.5°C pathway.

    Quantum computing is exponentially more than just ‘faster computing’: it is an entirely new paradigm that is uniquely suited to solving the chemistry, materials, biology, and physics that underpin our everyday lives. Quantum computing will make impossible calculations and simulations possible - unlocking innovation, and helping to solve critical challenges in climate, healthcare, energy and more. Qlimate has drawn on McKinsey’s latest research to identify the most promising decarbonization use cases for quantum computing. Solutions exist across solar, electric batteries, green hydrogen, carbon capture, green ammonia, cement and more.

  • PARTNER WITH QLIMATE TO DEVELOP NEW DECARBONIZATION TECHNOLOGIES

    Working with the world’s most committed sustainability leaders, Qlimate will develop new decarbonization technologies. Qlimate is partnering with business, government and philanthropists who are exceptionally committed to pioneering a large-scale decarbonization effort through quantum computing. Joining Qlimate is a powerful statement of climate leadership and vision, and a unique opportunity to qualify for access to limited quantum computing capacity. We need your help in developing use cases and deploying the best solutions. Join us and be a pioneer leading the quantum revolution for climate.