Quantum-Enhanced Grid of the Future: A Primer

Computing plays a significant role in power system analytics. As mathematical challenges increase and data become the epicenter of modern decision making, substantial progress needs to be made to draw on emerging analytics and computing technologies. Quantum computing is a ground-breaking technology in information processing that can support the global efforts in addressing power system challenges and in further envisioning the grid of the future. However, despite extensive research activities in quantum computing applications in various sectors, its application to power systems has remained mostly unexamined. It is necessary to have an across-the-board view of the quantum computing technology applications in power systems, and in particular, in building the grid of the future. This paper discusses the essential elements of quantum computing and presents a review of issues concerning this technology. The paper further provides an in-depth discussion of the potential of quantum computing in improving analytical and computing capabilities in solving multiple power system problems.