Quantum timing study to help future-proof energy grid

Swinburne University of Technology and Siemens are undertaking research into how quantum-enhanced timing can help future-proof the energy grid and increase grid stability.

The announcement was made at the Siemens PSS E Customer Days event, which showcased the latest global innovations to grid-planning professionals.

“This joint research with Swinburne University challenges the status quo and helps build our electricity grid’s resilience with a much more complex energy mix,” said Peter Halliday, CEO of Siemens Australia and New Zealand.

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

Currently, grid functions rely on satellite-based timing signals, including Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which can be vulnerable to disruption, interference or cyberthreats. As the power grid becomes more decentralised and complex, precise timing is increasingly critical for system protection, monitoring and continuous power supply.

This 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.

Swinburne will use PSS E technology to simulate grid scenarios using quantum timing technology.

“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.”

From left to right: Professor Allison Kealy (Swinburne University), Jose Moreira (Siemens), Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian (Swinburne University), Professor Karen Hapgood (Swinburne University), Fred Baynes (QuantX Labs) and Peter Halliday (Siemens). Image: Supplied

Swinburne’s Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, Director of the Siemens–Swinburne Energy Transition (SSET) Hub, welcomed the collaboration.

“This research is exploring an area that is still largely uncharted globally,” Seyedmahmoudian said. “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, a key 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.”

Image credit: iStock.com/onurdongel