This includes access to a premium 65-qubit quantum computer, the largest universal quantum system available to industry today, and an important milestone on the IBM Quantum roadmap to a 1,000-plus qubit system, targeted for the end of 2023.
BP will work with IBM to explore using quantum computing to solve business and engineering challenges and explore the potential applications for driving efficiencies and reducing carbon emissions.
Morag Watson, Senior VP, digital science and engineering for BP said:
- BP’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and help the world get to net zero
- Next-generation computing capabilities such as quantum computing will assist in solving the science and engineering challenges we will face, enabling us to reimagine energy and design new lower carbon products
- modelling the chemistry and build-up of various types of clay in hydrocarbon wells – a crucial factor in efficient hydrocarbon production;
- analyzing and managing the fluid dynamics of wind farms
- optimizing autonomous robotic facility inspection
- helping create opportunities not yet imagined to deliver the clean energy the world wants and needs.
In 2020, BP announced its net zero ambition and its new strategy.
By the end of this decade, it aims to have developed:
- around 50 gigawatts of net renewable-generating capacity (a 20-fold increase)
- increased annual low carbon investment 10-fold to around $5 billion
- to cut its oil and natural gas production by 40%.
Dario Gil, Senior VP and Director of IBM Research noted:
- BP joins a rapidly growing number of clients working with IBM to explore quantum computing to help accelerate the discovery of solutions to some of today's biggest challenges
- The energy industry is ripe with opportunities to see value from the use of quantum computing through the discovery of new materials designed to improve the generation, transfer, and storage of energy
