Could quantum timing support a more resilient grid?

Together with Swinburne University of Technology, Siemens is conducting research into whether quantum-enhanced timing can help future-proof the energy grid and increase grid stability.

At present, grid functions rely on satellite-based timing signals, including global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), which can be vulnerable to disruption, interference or cyberthreats. At the same time, the shift towards renewables, necessitating distributed energy resources and inverter-dominated networks, is leading to a more decentralised grid.

For this complex grid of the future, precise timing will be critical for system protection, monitoring and continuous power supply.

The research will examine how quantum-enabled timing technologies could provide a more resilient approach for future grid architectures and a reliable alternative to current satellite-based timing technologies.

The project will deploy QuantX Labs’ advanced quantum clock and quantum-secured time transfer capabilities together with Siemens’ PSS E technology and the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub — a real-time digital twin of Australia’s energy system.

“The research sits at the intersection of next-generation quantum technologies and future energy systems,” said Jose Moreira, head of Grid Software for Siemens in the region.

“It explores how ultra-precise timing can shape the future grid. By combining Siemens’ leadership in grid simulation with Swinburne’s energy industry research capability, we are helping the industry address today’s challenges while preparing for the next generation of energy networks.”

(L–R) Professor Allison Kealy (Swinburne University), Jose Moreira (Siemens), Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian (Swinburne University), Professor Karen Hapgood (Swinburne University), Fred Baynes (QuantX Labs), Peter Halliday (Siemens).

The Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, launched in 2023, is a future energy grid laboratory open to students, academia and industry. It uses some of Siemens’ most advanced digital technology to address Australia’s renewable energy transition challenges.

“This research is exploring an area that is still largely uncharted globally,” said Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, Director of the Siemens–Swinburne Energy Transition (SSET) Hub. “As power systems become more distributed, dynamic and complex, precise and resilient timing will play an increasingly important role in maintaining stability.

“Through our collaboration with Siemens, we are investigating how emerging quantum technologies can support next-generation energy networks, while also demonstrating how the SSET Hub translates ideas into real-world impact.”

Professor Allison Kealy, another expert from Swinburne’s team of researchers, added, “Advancements in quantum technologies will bring greater confidence in precision, timing and trust in critical infrastructure, including energy systems.”

Top image credit: iStock.com/ConceptCafe