Iberdrola brings quantum computing to the Spanish web

Iberdrola is collaborating with Basque Country-based startup Multiverse Computing on quantum algorithms for the Spanish network.

Specifically, the goal of the 10-month program, which will involve Iberdrolas’ distributor in Spain, i-DE, is to bring the power of quantum computing to determine the optimal number, type and locations of supplemental batteries for the grid.

Some of the many variables that need to be considered include connections to nearby electrical systems, flexibility in existing generation sources, and hourly, daily, and seasonal variations in energy demand.

The Multiverse Quantum Algorithms team intends to use quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms to solve these computationally complex problems, which are beyond the power of classical computers.

You have read?
New quantum solutions for the energy sector
Aiming for network resilience with digitization

The project is part of the Gipuzkoa Quantum Program in the Spanish Basque Country and was born out of Iberdrolas’ commitment to collaborate with local startups on technological innovations.

The battery optimization problem has been selected by i-DE as a key to complement the growing capacity of renewable generation.

“The Basque Country has become a reference point for quantum computing and Iberdrola, committed to this land and to innovation, has located here the global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, its international reference center in the development of technologies for smart grids ”, says Iker Urrutia, Gipuzkoa Area Manager of i-DE.

“Therefore, Iberdrola’s collaboration with Multiverse is a natural alliance that will keep Gipuzkoa and the Basque Country at the forefront of quantum innovation.”

Use cases of quantum computing

Optimization problems involving the evaluation of a large number of different combinations are considered a likely use case for quantum computing due to their complexity.

More generally, with the growing number of sensors and other components in the smart grid, other scalability issues for quantum computing such as PMU placement are also expected, while another is optimal scheduling and electricity delivery.

Multiverse Computing also reports that in the US, its optimization solutions are geared to assist with battery placement to support solar and wind installations in cities and states, particularly where regulation based on utility performance has been introduced.

Among other projects Multiverse Computing participates in is the Renault-led innovation ecosystem for electric and connected vehicles in Spain.

The project focuses on areas such as decarbonization, connectivity and mobility, and the company is creating new algorithms to better support new test platforms and other operations for these vehicles.

350 million for storage in Spain

The project appears to be timely, coinciding with the approval by the European Commission, under EU State aid rules, of a €350 million scheme to support the construction and operation of approximately 1,000 MW of storage facilities in Spain.

The objectives of the scheme, which will last until June 2026, are to increase the share of renewable energies in the system, decrease the reduction of renewables in periods of overproduction and support the secure operation of the Spanish electricity system.

The award of contracts to the selected projects is expected to take place by the end of 2024. The storage facilities are expected to be operational by the end of 2026, with the exception of pumped storage hydroelectric storage, which could be operational by the end of 2030.