Pasqal and Saudi Aramco partner for energy sector applications

Introduction

The partnership between Pasqal and Saudi Aramco represents a significant milestone in applying quantum computing technology to the energy sector. Pasqal, founded in 2019 and headquartered in France, specialises in building quantum processors using neutral atoms arranged in configurable 2D and 3D arrays. Their technology offers unique advantages for solving optimization problems and simulating quantum systems. Saudi Aramco, as one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, faces numerous computational challenges in exploration, production, refining, and distribution operations. This collaboration emerged from Aramco’s strategic initiative to explore emerging technologies that could provide competitive advantages in operational efficiency and sustainability. The partnership focuses on identifying and developing quantum algorithms tailored to specific use cases in the oil and gas industry, with particular emphasis on problems that are computationally intractable for classical computers but potentially solvable using quantum approaches.

Challenge

The oil and gas industry faces increasingly complex computational challenges that strain the capabilities of classical computing systems. Saudi Aramco specifically encounters bottlenecks in several critical areas: optimizing drilling operations across thousands of wells, simulating molecular interactions for enhanced oil recovery techniques, managing vast supply chain networks, and modeling subsurface reservoirs with high accuracy. Traditional computational methods often require simplifications or approximations that can lead to suboptimal decisions and missed opportunities. For instance, reservoir simulation models must account for complex fluid dynamics, geological heterogeneity, and multiphase flow phenomena across massive spatial scales. Similarly, optimizing refinery operations involves solving combinatorial problems with millions of variables and constraints. The computational time required for these calculations can extend to weeks or months, limiting the ability to respond quickly to market changes or operational disruptions. Aramco recognised that quantum computing could potentially provide exponential speedups for certain classes of these problems, particularly those involving optimization and quantum mechanical simulations.

Solution

Pasqal’s quantum computing platform offered a unique approach to addressing Aramco’s computational challenges through its neutral-atom technology. The solution centred on developing custom quantum algorithms optimised for Pasqal’s hardware architecture, which allows for flexible atom arrangements and analog quantum simulation capabilities. The partnership focused on three primary application areas: quantum optimization algorithms for supply chain and logistics problems, variational quantum eigensolvers (VQE) for molecular simulation in catalyst design and carbon capture technologies, and quantum approximate optimization algorithms (QAOA) for scheduling and resource allocation. Pasqal’s technology particularly excels at solving maximum independent set problems, which have direct applications in network optimization and scheduling. The team developed hybrid classical-quantum algorithms that leverage the strengths of both computing paradigms, using quantum processors for the computationally intensive optimization steps while employing classical computers for pre-processing and post-processing tasks. This approach allowed for practical implementations even with current noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices.

Implementation

The implementation phase began with a comprehensive assessment of Aramco’s computational workflows to identify the most suitable problems for quantum acceleration. Pasqal’s team worked closely with Aramco’s research scientists and engineers to understand domain-specific constraints and requirements. The initial focus was on proof-of-concept demonstrations using smaller problem instances that could be validated against classical solutions. For supply chain optimization, the team mapped logistics networks onto graph problems suitable for Pasqal’s quantum processors, encoding delivery routes, inventory levels, and capacity constraints into the quantum algorithm. The molecular simulation work-stream involved developing quantum circuits to calculate ground state energies of molecules relevant to catalysis and carbon capture. Implementation required significant effort in quantum error mitigation strategies, as current quantum devices are prone to noise and decoherence. The teams established cloud-based access protocols allowing Aramco researchers to submit jobs to Pasqal’s quantum processors while maintaining data security and confidentiality. Regular workshops and training sessions ensured knowledge transfer and capability building within Aramco’s technical teams.

Results and Business Impact

While specific quantitative results remain confidential, the partnership has demonstrated promising outcomes across multiple dimensions. In supply chain optimization, quantum algorithms showed potential for finding better solutions for complex routing problems compared to classical heuristics, particularly for scenarios with many constraints and variables. The molecular simulation efforts successfully calculated properties of small molecules relevant to catalysis, providing insights that could accelerate the development of more efficient chemical processes. From a business perspective, the collaboration positioned Aramco at the forefront of quantum computing adoption in the energy sector, enhancing its reputation as a technology leader. The partnership also facilitated knowledge exchange and skill development, with Aramco engineers gaining expertise in quantum algorithm design and implementation. The project identified several high-impact use cases where quantum advantage could translate into significant operational improvements and cost savings once quantum hardware matures. Additionally, the collaboration helped both organisations better understand the current limitations of quantum technology and develop realistic roadmaps for future quantum integration into production workflows.

Future Directions

The partnership between Pasqal and Aramco is expected to expand as quantum hardware capabilities improve. Future plans include scaling up the complexity of optimization problems as Pasqal increases its qubit count and coherence times. The organisations are exploring applications in seismic imaging and interpretation, where quantum computing could enhance the resolution and speed of subsurface modeling. Another promising direction involves using quantum machine learning algorithms for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection in refinery operations. As quantum error correction techniques mature, the partnership aims to tackle larger molecular systems relevant to developing new materials for carbon capture and storage. Both organisations are committed to contributing to the broader quantum ecosystem through publications and open-source algorithm development where appropriate, while protecting proprietary applications.