This masterclass will provide your team with a comprehensive understanding of the what, why, and how of quantum computing applications and what it means for the energy sector. Quantum can be complex and difficult to understand – “spooky,” as we say in the industry – and many overviews get lost in technical detail.

The goal of this masterclass is to give you a pragmatic, non-technical understanding of quantum, how to get started, and how it applies to the energy sector. We call this: Discover. Decide. Execute. No math, no unnecessary jargon – just plain quantum talk.

9:00 AM – 9:40 AM
DISCOVER: The Quantum Landscape

Gain a clear-eyed view of the foundational concepts and the current state of the technology.

• Key Concepts: Understand the core principles of quantum computing and why they promise an advantage.
• Hardware Roadmaps: Latest status on major quantum hardware modalities and their scaling challenges.
• Player Ecosystem: Overview of quantum majors, tech giants, challengers, and startups.
• GQI QC Eras: Benchmark progress using GQI’s proprietary eras (Kiloquop, Megaquop, Gigaquop, Teraquop) to align applications with future hardware capabilities.

9:40 AM – 11:20 AM
DECIDE: The Core Use Cases for the Energy Sector

Dive deep into the most promising – and most hyped – application areas, with resource estimates and feasibility analysis to separate real opportunities from research dead ends.

Cryptanalysis

• Assess the real-world threat of Shor's algorithm to public key encryption, especially for grid control systems (SCADA) and smart grid infrastructure.
• Review resource estimates for breaking current cryptographic standards and the timeline for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) implementation.

Simulation (Quantum & Classical)

• Materials Science:
  • Battery development: simulating novel electrolytes and electrode materials for grid-scale storage and high-performance batteries.
  • Catalyst design: discovering new catalysts for more efficient CCUS, green hydrogen (electrolysis), and synthetic fuels.
  • Photovoltaics: modeling new materials for next-generation, higher-efficiency solar cells.
• Classical Systems:
  • Grid stability: simulating complex load flow and transient stability problems to prevent blackouts.
  • Resource modelling: improving reservoir simulations (oil & gas) and modelling subsurface hydrogen storage and carbon sequestration sites.
  • Fluid dynamics: optimizing wind turbine airflow, modelling combustion, and simulating plasma for fusion energy research.

Optimization

• Evaluate the true potential of quadratic speedups from Grover's algorithm and the real-world applicability of quantum-inspired and quantum-native algorithms (annealing, QAOA).
• Focus on high-impact energy problems:
  • Grid management: unit commitment, economic dispatch, and power flow optimization.
  • Asset placement: optimal siting of wind and solar farms, EV charging infrastructure, and storage units.
  • Logistics & routing: fuel delivery, maintenance scheduling for remote assets, and LNG shipping routes.

Machine Learning

• Separate hype from reality by understanding the impact of “dequantization” on quantum machine learning (QML).
• Identify where QML may still hold an advantage for:
  • Predictive maintenance for turbines, transformers, and pipelines.
  • Load and generation forecasting for demand and renewables (wind/solar).
  • Geospatial analysis for seismic interpretation and site selection for carbon storage.

11:20 AM – 11:40 AM
Networking Break

11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
DECIDE (Continued): Use-Case Deep Dives and Group Discussion

• Compare cryptanalysis, simulation, optimization, and QML use cases in terms of feasibility, timelines, and business value.
• Prioritize “no-regrets” exploration areas for different energy sub-sectors (utilities, oil & gas, renewables, grid operators).
• Interactive discussion: participants map potential quantum use cases to their own organizations.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Networking Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
EXECUTE: Your Quantum Strategy

Move from analysis to action, with frameworks and market intelligence to build and deploy your organization’s quantum strategy.

• Market Forecasts: GQI's Quantum Market Model projecting end-use value heading toward $1T+ p.a. by 2050.
• Geopolitical Landscape: Competing global ecosystems (US, China, EU) and strategic alliances (AUKUS, Quad) shaping the quantum race.
• End-User Strategy: Navigating the path from “industry opportunity” to “deployment” within real-world energy organizations.
• GQI Adoption Framework: Implement GQI's structured 4-step process – Discover, Decide, Execute, Incorporate – to ensure quantum initiatives deliver real business value.

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Wrap-Up, Q&A and Next Steps

• Final Q&A with GQI experts.
• Key takeaways and practical next steps for building your internal quantum roadmap.
• Suggestions for follow-on assessments, pilots, and executive briefings.