Swinburne University of Technology and Siemens are studying whether quantum-enhanced timing can support Australia’s power grid as renewables, distributed energy resources, and inverter-based networks increase the need for precise, resilient timing.
The study examines how quantum-enhanced timing could support grid stability as Australia’s energy mix shifts toward renewables and distributed power systems.
Speaking on this announcement, Peter Halliday, CEO of Siemens Australia and New Zealand said, “Siemens has been helping Australia grow and keep the lights on for over 150 years.”
“Leading technology and innovation only make a difference when combined with people and collaboration. This joint research with Swinburne University challenges the status-quo and helps build our electricity grid’s resilience with a much more complex energy mix.”
The project combines QuantX Labs’ quantum clock and quantum-secured time transfer capabilities with Siemens PSSE technology, which is used in more than 145 countries. It also uses the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, a digital twin of Australia’s energy system.
Australia’s grid functions rely on satellite-based timing signals, including Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). These signals can be vulnerable to disruption, interference, or cyber threats. As the grid becomes more decentralized and complex, precise timing is important for system protection, monitoring, and power supply.
Swinburne will use PSSE technology to simulate grid scenarios using quantum timing technology. The research will examine whether quantum-enabled timing can provide a resilient approach for future grid architectures and a reliable alternative to current satellite-based timing technologies.
Jose Moreira, head of Grid Software for Siemens in Asia Pacific said, “The research sits at the intersection of next-generation quantum technologies and future energy systems. It explores how ultra-precise timing can shape the future grid. By combining Siemens’ leadership in grid simulation with Swinburne’s energy industry research capability, we are helping the industry address today’s challenges while preparing for the next generation of energy networks.”
Siemens and Swinburne strengthened their partnership in 2023 with the launch of the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub. The laboratory is open to students, academia, and industry. The hub uses Siemens digital technology to study Australia’s renewable energy transition challenges.
Swinburne’s Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, director of the Siemens–Swinburne Energy Transition (SSET) Hub, commented, “This research is exploring an area that is still largely uncharted globally. As power systems become more distributed, dynamic and complex, precise and resilient timing will play an increasingly important role in maintaining stability. Through our collaboration with Siemens, we are investigating how emerging quantum technologies can support next-generation energy networks, while also demonstrating how the SSET Hub translates ideas into real-world impact.”
Professor Allison Kealy, from Swinburne’s team of researchers, added, “Advancements in quantum technologies will bring greater confidence in precision, timing and trust in critical infrastructure, including energy systems.”
Source: Siemens
About Siemens AG
Siemens AG is a technology company founded in 1847 and headquartered in Munich and Berlin, Germany. The company develops products and services in industrial automation, electrification, digital systems, and mobility. Its offerings include automation systems, industrial software, building technologies, rail transport systems, and power distribution solutions. Siemens also provides financial services and supports infrastructure projects. It serves industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, construction, and healthcare. The company works with enterprises, utilities, governments, and infrastructure operators worldwide. Siemens operates in more than 190 countries. It applies digital tools and AI to industrial and infrastructure use cases. Siemens holds a majority stake in Siemens Healthineers, a publicly listed healthcare technology company. Siemens has about 318,000 employees globally.
About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology is an Australian public university based in Melbourne, Australia. George and Ethel Swinburne founded it in 1908 as Eastern Suburbs Technical College. The institution gained university status in 1992 and operates as a dual-sector university. It provides higher education, vocational education, online study and research programs. Swinburne serves undergraduate students, postgraduate students, vocational learners, international students, industry partners, governments and research collaborators. Its fields include engineering, information technology, design, business, health sciences, astronomy, physics, materials science, computer science and social sciences. The university has campuses at Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, along with a campus in Sarawak, Malaysia.