QCE20 Workshop on
Quantum Computing Opportunities in Renewable Energy

Date and Time

• Fri, Oct 16, 2020
• 10:45─16:45 Mountain Time (MDT) — UTC-6

Organizers

• Zachary Eldredge, Solar Energy Technologies Office, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy
• Annarita Giani, GE Research, General Electric Company

Abstract

Quantum computing is poised to begin solving important, practical problems with real-world consequences. While the quantum sector prepares for this transition into applicability, a parallel transition is happening in the world of energy, where large-scale, fossil-fuel-driven generation is facing increased environmental scrutiny and competition from small-scale renewables with rapidly-dropping prices. In this workshop, we will combine these two technological trends and provide a forum for discussion and interaction among academia, industry, and government actors with relevant interests. This workshop will include discussion of both quantum computing devices, ranging from annealers to NISQ devices to future digital quantum computers, as well as a description of some of the major computational challenges facing renewable energy today – simulation for chemistry and forecasting; the rise of distributed generation; and scheduling and dispatch of variable renewable resources. Our goal is to identify the most fruitful areas of collaboration and identify what types of research need to be done to advance the field of renewable energy and quantum computing. We welcome participants in quantum computing to learn about this exciting and vital area of potential application and
participants in renewable energy to present computational challenges and learn about the opportunities quantum computers represent.

Workshop objectives

We consider this workshop the beginning of an effort on facilitating the exchange of discovery and information between the quantum computing and renewable energy communities. Starting a conversation between these two groups is crucial for advancing common knowledge about needs and opportunities. These communities usually do not intersect and gaining expertise of the other group is often left to the scientific curiosity of individuals. Our hope is to create an environment focused on discussion and information exchange between the two groups. In the room itself, our goal is to for participants to leave the room with an enhanced understanding of energy issues and the computational challenges that exist in the renewable energy space. We also hope that invited speakers and participants who specialize in energy will make connections and form collaborations with quantum computing practitioners. In the longer-term, we hope to see the emergence of publications and joint research efforts to define in more granularity what the quantum/renewables crossover looks like. Zachary Eldredge, U.S. Department of Energy Annarita Giani, GE Research.

Workshop agenda

• Short version — Agenda only
• Long version — Agenda with speakers’ bios and abstracts

Call for Speakers

This workshop will feature a section devoted to short, 15-minute talks on a variety of topics related to quantum computing and renewable energy. We welcome submissions that focus on subjects, including quantum computing experimental results, algorithms development, resource estimation. Furthermore, we welcome renewable energy researchers who are interested to submit talks on their areas of specialty that illustrate cutting-edge computational techniques and challenges which provide potential opportunities for quantum speedup. EasyChair link for submission of talk abstracts.

Important Dates

• Paper Submission Deadline Extended: August 22, 2020
• Notification of Acceptance: September 1, 2020
• Workshop Date: Friday October 16, 2020