The Quantum Disruption of Energy

Quantum computing has the potential to be the next decade’s generative AI. While quantum computers and quantum algorithms are still in development, they offer the promise of solving what are today intractably complex problems in a reasonable timeframe. As evidence of this promise, $1.2 billion in venture capital was invested in quantum as far back as 2023, and many big tech companies—including Nvidia—are pursuing it aggressively. The total addressable market has been estimated to be between US$450-850 billion.

This Capstone will identify and analyze the most significant and highest-potential disruptions that quantum poses to the energy sector. For each disruption, the team will characterize 1) what quantum computing could achieve, 2) how it would disrupt the status quo, 3) the implications to industry, investor, and/or governmental stakeholders, 4) current R&D work on the topic and 5) a qualitative assessment (via categories) of the likelihood of the disruption being achieved. Lastly, the team will identify key overarching themes and any strategic recommendations for industry or policy recommendations for governments.