All about quantum computing
Quantum computing and supercomputers will revolutionise technology
We live in the age of technology, but there's still plenty to come. In recent years, large companies have been taking small — but important steps — forward in quantum computing, which looks set to revolutionise the world as we know it. The following selection of potential applications will impact everything from mobility to healthcare.
In a binary world consisting of ones and zeros, quantum computers would be like the Albert Einstein of computing, with extraordinary electronic brains capable of completing tasks that would be almost impossible for ordinary computers to handle. The multinational IBM will be the first to market this wondrous technology with the Q System One, a 3x3-metre glass cube with 20 qubits presented in 2019 that will be made available to businesses and researchers.
The multinational IBM will be the first to market one of these technological marvels, the Q System One, a glass cube measuring approximately 3 x 3 metres and containing 20 qubits, which was unveiled in 2019 and will be available for business and research purposes. But what is this technology exactly and what are its applications? Let’s take a look at the concepts, uses and evolution of this key technology in the computing revolution.
What is quantum computing?
This branch of computer science is based on the principles of the superposition of matter and quantum entanglement and uses a different computation method from the traditional one. In theory, it would be able to store many more states per unit of information and operate with much more efficient algorithms at the numerical level, such as Shor's or quantum annealing.
This new generation of supercomputers uses knowledge of quantum mechanics — the area of physics that studies atomic and subatomic particles — to overcome the limitations of classic computing. Although in practice, quantum computing faces evident problems regarding scalability and incoherence, it makes it possible to perform multiple simultaneous operations and eliminates the tunnel effect that limits current nanometric scale programming.
What is a qubit?
A qubit (or quantum bit) is the basic unit of information in a quantum computer, equivalent to the bit in classical computing. Unlike a traditional bit, which can only be in one of two states—0 or 1—a qubit can be in a superposition of both states at the same time, thanks to quantum mechanics. This means that a qubit can simultaneously represent 0 and 1, allowing quantum computers to process much more information at the same time. Qubits can also be entangled, so that the state of one depends on the state of the other, further enhancing the computing power of quantum systems.
This multiplicity of states makes it possible for a quantum computer with just 30 qubits, for example, to perform 10 billion floating-point operations per second, which is about 5.8 billion more than the most powerful PlayStation video game console on the market. One of the main differences with classical physics is that its results are probabilistic rather than deterministic.
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Differences between quantum and traditional computing
Quantum computing and traditional computing are two parallel worlds with some similarities and numerous differences between them, such as the use of qubits versus bits. Here are some of the most relevant ones:
Computing power
In quantum computers, processing power grows exponentially as qubits are added, thanks to properties such as superposition (a qubit can represent several values at once) and entanglement (qubits can be connected to each other so that they act as a single system). This means that with each additional qubit, the system can handle twice as many possible combinations, multiplying its computing power. In contrast, in classical computing, computing power grows linearly: adding more transistors (the components that process information) improves performance, but each one only adds one more unit of capacity.
Programming language
Quantum computing does not have its own programming code and requires the development and implementation of very specific algorithms. However, traditional computing has standardised languages like Java, SQL and Python, to name but a few.
Functionality
Quantum computers are not intended for widespread, everyday use, unlike personal computers (PC). These supercomputers are so complex that they can only be used in the corporate, scientific and technological fields.
Architecture
The composition of a quantum computer is different from that of a conventional one, and it has no memory or processor. Quantum computers are composed of a set of qubits which, thanks to superposition (0 and 1) and entanglement, enable a quantum computer to test all paths at the same time, finding the answer much faster.
Error rate
While traditional computers operate with extremely high precision and almost negligible errors thanks to mature technologies and highly efficient error correction systems, quantum computers still have relatively high error rates. This loss of quantum coherence (called decoherence) is due to the fact that qubits are very sensitive to external disturbances such as heat, noise and vibrations, which can alter their quantum state and cause calculation errors.
The quantum leap in computing
The truth about quantum computers
Quantum computing uses superconducting qubits to exponentially boost computing speed.
Building bigger quantum systems
Linear qubit segments have been replaced by four superconducting qubits on a one-quarter-square-inch chip.
Stopping and minimising quantum errors
Exposure to heat makes qubits more error-prone, but we already know how to identify bit-flip and phase-flip errors.
Uses for quantum computers
Computing will improve big data analysis, the development of new drugs and materials, machine learning and cryptography, etc.
Source: TechTarget.
Operating conditions of a quantum computer
These computers are extremely sensitive and require very specific pressure and temperature conditions and insulation to operate correctly. When these machines interact with external particles, measurement errors and the erasure of state overlaps occur, which is why they are sealed and have to be operated using conventional computers.
Quantum computers must have almost no atmospheric pressure, an ambient temperature close to absolute zero (-273°C) and insulation from the earth's magnetic field to prevent the atoms from moving, colliding with each other, or interacting with the environment. In addition, these systems only operate for very short intervals of time, so that the information becomes damaged and cannot be stored, making it even more difficult to recover the data.
Main uses of quantum computing
Quantum computing offers new opportunities for solving problems that are beyond the capabilities of classical computing resources. These possibilities can be grouped into four areas:
- Simulation. With improvements in R&D&I simulation in medicine, chemistry and the agri-food industry; in complex financial models; in weather forecasting; and in the science and design of new materials.
- Artificial intelligence. Quantum computing enables the execution of advanced machine learning models or large language models, among others.
- Optimisation. This technology enables better management and measurement of, for example, traffic and smart cities, real-time supply chains, and distribution and telecommunications networks.
- Cryptography. With the evolution of data encryption methods and new secure transmission methods.
All in all, some of the main applications of classical computing are:
Finance
Quantum computing can transform finance by enabling much faster and more accurate optimisation of investment portfolios, analysing multiple variables and scenarios simultaneously to maximise returns and reduce risk. It also improves fraud detection by identifying complex patterns and anomalies in large volumes of data in real time, and facilitates advanced financial simulations.
Healthcare
This sector would benefit from the development of new drugs and genetically customised treatments, as well as DNA research. Quantum sensors can also detect minute changes in the human body, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses of diseases such as cancer. They also improve medical imaging with high-resolution images at the molecular level, significantly enhancing the quality of magnetic resonance imaging and other methods.
Cybersecurity
The power of quantum computers could jeopardise traditional encryption systems, as they would be capable of breaking codes that are currently considered inviolable. However, at the same time, quantum computing is driving revolutionary advances in data protection, such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). This innovative method uses light signals to transmit encryption keys extremely securely, as any attempt at interception alters the state of the quantum particles and can be detected immediately.
Mobility and transport
Quantum computing enables the design of more efficient means of transport, a method already used by Airbus in the conceptualisation and development of aircraft. In addition, qubits will enable significant advances in traffic planning and route optimisation systems. Quantum sensors also improve the accuracy of navigation systems, especially in places where GPS signals are weak or non-existent, such as in space or underwater.
quantumco computing in the energy industry
quantumco computing is beginning to open up new possibilities in the energy industry, offering tools to optimise grid management, improve system efficiency and accelerate the development of clean tech. Here are some of the new possibilities:
What's the current state of quantum computing?
Quantum computing is at a technological turning point. This status can be measured using the QTRL (Quantum Technology Readiness Level), a scale that measures the maturity level of quantum computing technologies. The scale has nine levels, with QTRL1 the lowest level of technological readiness and QTRL9 the highest. Most quantum computing technologies today are at intermediate levels on the QTRL scale, generally between QTRL3 and QTRL5.
The US, China and Europe are at the forefront of quantum computing development in terms of both technology and investment. They are followed by Australia, Japan and Singapore which are also important hubs in the drive towards quantum computing. Among the main global players, the following stand out:
- Google. Google's latest quantum chip, Willow, with 105 qubits, has proven capable of significantly reducing errors as it scales. Its core technology is quantum annealing.
- IBM. Since Quantum System One, it has focused on quantum computers for commercial purposes, such as the IBM Quantum System Two, located in Yorktown Heights, New York, designed to be modular and flexible. The modular approach allows for scalability and adaptability, critical aspects for the evolution of quantum computing infrastructure.
Quantum computing initiatives Iberdrola is involved in
At Iberdrola, we are exploring the potential of quantum computing to transform the energy management of the future, especially in the field of smart grids. In partnership with the Guipúzcoa-based company Multiverse Computing
External link, opens in new window. , we are working on developing quantum algorithms applied to the optimisation of power flows in the electricity grid, which will allow for greater efficiency in increasingly complex scenarios due to the integration of renewables.
In addition, we are participating in the EMIE (Efficiency of LLM Models for Strategic Industries) project, an initiative within the Hazitek programme (2024–2026) also led by Multiverse, which aims to generate reusable and scalable knowledge assets —such as algorithms, formulations and patents— based on hybrid quantum computing, applicable to real use cases in energy distribution. This project seeks to identify and address the major challenges of optimisation, information processing and simulation presented by smart grids using quantum technologies, paving the way for industrial applications with business value in the coming years.