Quantum technologies need a Quantum Energy Initiative

TL;DR

Quantum technologies have great potential but lack focus on their energy consumption; establishing a dedicated Quantum Energy Initiative is crucial for sustainable development and achieving energetic quantum advantage.

Contribution

This paper advocates for the creation of a Quantum Energy Initiative to address energy efficiency in quantum technologies, integrating multiple scientific disciplines.

Findings

Quantum technologies' energy footprint is underexplored.

A dedicated initiative can promote energy-efficient quantum development.

Potential for energetic quantum advantage with coordinated efforts.

Abstract

Quantum technologies are currently the object of high expectations from governments and private companies, as they hold the promise to shape safer and faster ways to extract, exchange and treat information. However, despite its major potential impact for industry and society, the question of their energetic footprint has remained in a blind spot of current deployment strategies. In this Perspective, I argue that quantum technologies must urgently plan for the creation and structuration of a transverse quantum energy initiative, connecting quantum thermodynamics, quantum information science, quantum physics and engineering. Such initiative is the only path towards energy efficient, sustainable quantum technologies, and to possibly bring out an energetic quantum advantage.