SQC and Schneider Electric Improve Energy Forecasts with Quantum-Classical Models
Silicon Quantum Computing and Schneider Electric have advanced to Stage 2 of Australia's Critical Technologies Challenge Program, achieving an average 20% improvement in energy forecasting accuracy using quantum-classical models.
Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC) and global energy technology leader Schneider Electric have secured A$3.6 million (US$2.5 million) to proceed to Stage 2 of the Australian Government's Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP), continuing their collaboration with UNSW Sydney.
The partnership aims to address the growing complexity of energy grids, driven by the increasing adoption of distributed energy resources like rooftop solar, home batteries, and electric vehicles. Accurate forecasting is crucial for balancing these dynamic systems.
During Stage 1, the team utilized SQC's quantum-enhanced AI chip, Watermelon, to augment Schneider Electric's forecasting models. Applying Watermelon to next-day forecasting data over 12 months resulted in an average 20% improvement in accuracy compared to classical benchmarks, with gains reaching up to 41%.
Stage 2 funding will expand the modeling to hundreds of homes across Australia and integrate the technology directly into Schneider Electric's AI workflows. SQC CEO Michelle Simmons stated that the results demonstrate how quantum-enhanced AI can address practical challenges in the energy sector.