Classiq, IonQ Test Quantum Optimization for Gas Networks
Quantum software company Classiq, Israel Natural Gas Lines (INGL), and hardware vendor IonQ jointly tested quantum optimization on a natural gas transmission planning problem. They executed a reduced version of this problem on IonQ’s Forte-1 processor. Classiq provided the software, INGL supplied the network problem, and IonQ provided the computational resources. This collaboration is noteworthy as it represents a national gas transmission operator moving beyond simply observing quantum computing to actively testing it against a real operational challenge.
Test Coverage
The problem addressed is common for pipeline operators: it’s necessary to transport natural gas from suppliers to customers, and at the same time adhere to limits on pressure, flow direction, and network balance. As networks expand, the number of possible pressure and flow configurations rapidly increases. The research aimed to determine if quantum optimization could more systematically identify promising scenarios for engineers to evaluate.
Using Classiq’s platform, the team developed a hybrid quantum-classical workflow. This workflow searched for optimal pressure configurations, considering factors such as supplier pressure, pipe characteristics, minimum customer pressure, and other constraints.
Results Demonstrated
During simulator-based testing on a representative gas network, the workflow successfully identified the maximum-throughput valid operating point, which aligned with classical reference solutions. Subsequently, a version of the problem was run on the Forte-1, where the system generated physically valid candidate operating points close to the classical optimum.
No performance metrics, timing data, or quantifiable improvements over classical methods were disclosed. Therefore, this test appears to have successfully produced valid candidates rather than demonstrating a performance advantage. Classiq co-founder and CEO Nir Minerbi stated in a LinkedIn post that the goal was to present quantum optimization in a way that resonates with oil and gas teams, focusing on generating strong candidate scenarios for engineering review rather than replacing existing tools.
Context and Significance
INGL operates Israel’s high-pressure natural gas transmission network. Its participation means a utility-sector operator directly engaged in a quantum test, rather than a demonstration managed solely by vendors. The collaboration also involved reviewing candidate scenarios within SIMONE, an established hydraulic modeling environment, suggesting that quantum optimization would generate options for validation by conventional modeling.
IonQ’s investors include AMD and Qualcomm Ventures, both of which also participated in a Classiq funding round, as reported by Classiq.