Key Findings
TISI Corporation and Osaka University’s Quantum Information and Quantum Life Sciences Research Center, in a joint research effort, have demonstrated the applicability of quantum computers to combinatorial optimization problems involving over 10,000 power resources, a practical scale, and achieved accuracy comparable to commercial optimization solvers. This achievement indicates the potential of quantum computers to provide practical solutions for complex real-world problems in electricity supply-demand optimization.
Technical / Clinical Details
In this research, the uniquely developed quantum optimization algorithm, Pauli Correlation Encoding (PCE), played a crucial role. PCE efficiently maps combinatorial optimization problems onto qubits, constructing quantum circuits executable even on current noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. The research team applied this algorithm to actual electricity supply-demand optimization problems, simulating optimal operational plans for over 10,000 power resources (such as generators and storage batteries). The results demonstrated that quantum computers could tackle this large-scale problem while maintaining solution accuracy comparable to leading conventional commercial optimization solvers. Details of this research have been submitted to “Physical Review Applied” and are scheduled to be presented at IEEE Quantum Week 2026.
Background & Context
Electricity supply-demand optimization is an extremely complex combinatorial optimization problem indispensable for maintaining stable power supply, expanding the introduction of renewable energy, and improving cost efficiency. As the number of power resources increases, computation time for classical computers grows exponentially, making real-time optimization challenging. Quantum computers, with their parallel processing capabilities, hold the potential to efficiently solve such large-scale combinatorial optimization problems, promising innovation in the energy management sector. This achievement by TISI and Osaka University marks a significant milestone, indicating that quantum computers are transitioning from theoretical possibilities to concrete industrial applications.
Strategic Significance & Outlook
The technology demonstrated by TISI and Osaka University opens the door for quantum computers to be utilized in solving large-scale combinatorial optimization problems across various industrial sectors, starting with electricity supply-demand optimization. In the future, applications are expected in real-time optimization for smart grids, urban traffic flow optimization, logistics and supply chain efficiency, and financial portfolio optimization. With further development of the PCE algorithm and improvements in quantum hardware performance, the quality and scale of solutions that quantum computers can provide will further increase, holding the potential to contribute to solving diverse societal challenges. This research underscores Japan’s role in accelerating the societal implementation of quantum technology.
Source: https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/ja/news/2026/07/3001
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