Quantum Readiness Series: What Quantum Means for the Energy Sector

The energy sector is changing rapidly. Digitalisation, decarbonisation, and the drive for greater grid resilience are reshaping how energy is generated, controlled, and transported. As these shifts take hold, quantum technologies are beginning to move from research programmes into real-world deployments, with genuine implications for how the sector monitors infrastructure, measures emissions, and builds long-term resilience. The question is not whether quantum will touch the energy sector, but whether the sector is equipped to embrace the changes it will bring. 

In this Quantum Readiness Series webinar, we look at the potential for quantum to deliver significant benefits for the energy system as it digitalises and decarbonises. Crucially, we explore the barriers and risks to deployment, and how these might be overcome through technological innovation and regulatory and policy development.

What this webinar covers 

Our expert presentations will set the scene before a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Topics will include: 

• Where quantum companies are actively developing solutions for the energy sector right now 

• Near-term applications including quantum-enabled gas sensors for monitoring emissions and supporting energy storage and transportation 

• What government and regulators are seeing across both the quantum and energy landscapes 

• How these developments connect to the UK's five National Quantum Missions, particularly Mission 5 and its focus on deploying quantum sensors across critical infrastructure by 2030 

• The challenges that need to be addressed before adoption can scale, and who is responsible for bridging that gap 

Why it matters 

Mission 5 of the National Quantum Strategy Missiosn has identified energy as one of four priority sectors for quantum sensing, alongside transport, telecoms, and defence. The government has acknowledged that individual sectors and businesses face too much risk to fund the bridge to adoption alone, which is exactly why convening the right people now matters. 

The opportunities are significant: 

• Reducing operational costs through better asset management and predictive maintenance 

• Contributing to net-zero ambitions through improved visibility of greenhouse gas emissions 

• Building the supply chain and commercial relationships needed to unlock private investment 

Who should attend 

This session is for energy companies, technology providers, investors, and policymakers working at the intersection of quantum and energy infrastructure. Whether you are exploring what quantum could do for your organisation or already developing solutions, this webinar will sharpen your understanding of where the market is heading. 

Agenda

1:00PM | techUK welcome
Intro to techUK and our quantum and energy programmes

1:05PM | Presentation | Eunice Wong, DESNZ

1:15PM | Presentation | Daniel Goldsmith, Digital Catapult

1:25PM | Presentation | John Glbert, NESO & Alexandra Rehak, Cambridge Consultants

1:35PM | Panel Discussion | What quantum means for the energy sector
Hear from quantum experts, regulators, and government about the opportunities and risks that quantum technologies present for the energy sector.

Speakers include:


Sophie Critchlow, Policy Adviser, Office for Quantum (DSIT)
Chris Bell, Principal Consultant – Digital Energy, DNV
Stuart Okin, Director of Cyber Regulation & Emerging Technologies, Ofgem
Jay Bjorkmann, Business Development Executive, ORCA Computing 
Hiroshi Nakata, COO, Jij

2:15PM | Audience Q&A

2:25PM | AOB & Close

What is techUK’s quantum readiness series?  

As quantum technologies move from concept, development and towards deployment, it is critical that the UK’s leading industries and sectors are ready to realise the potential these new technologies can offer.  

As such, techUK will be hosting a series of events and webinars showcasing how these technologies are starting to deliver impact across critical industries and sectors in the UK. We will spotlight real-world impact, emphasising the imminent need for market readiness.  

You can view the last session here.