China Puts 85 Quantum Devices Into a Working Power Grid
China has equipped an operational 220-kilovolt substation in Hefei with 85 quantum devices. This initiative aims to test quantum sensing, secure communications, and computing within a live power grid environment. The information comes from People’s Daily Online, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, and should be considered state media reporting. This installation serves as a demonstration site with field equipment, not independently verified proof that the technology surpasses existing grid operator solutions.
Installed quantum technologies
The Houdian Quantum Application Demonstration Substation, commissioned in November 2024, incorporates 18 categories of domestically manufactured quantum hardware. Diamond-based sensors monitor current fluctuations, as quantum-dot sensors observe conditions within switchgear and detect partial electrical discharge, an early indicator of insulation failure.
A quantum lidar system scans atmospheric particles and clouds up to 15 kilometers away for weather-related risks. Additionally, quantum attitude sensors on transmission towers measure subtle magnetic-field changes to identify tower misalignment.
The substation is capable of autonomous operation, with automated systems performing many inspection tasks that previously required human intervention. Tian Teng, an engineer at the digitalization institute under State Grid Anhui Electric Power Co., elaborated on this transition in the People’s Daily Online report from August 13.
Tian stated:
“We have replaced many manual inspection tasks with high-precision quantum sensing equipment. The new system can identify and diagnose equipment defects much faster, reducing both inspection costs and operating expenses.”
Zhao Long, head of the power quantum sensing laboratory at the same research institute, noted that the team lacked domestic precedents or established standards. He also mentioned that when overseas suppliers ceased providing high-quality diamond sensing materials, researchers collaborated with Chinese materials specialists to develop alternatives.
Unsubstantiated claims
The report provides less detail regarding the communications and computing aspects. Houdian utilizes fiber-based quantum secure communications and a system combining 5G with quantum encryption, but the article offers no performance data or comparisons to conventional cybersecurity.
Researchers also performed a power-flow analysis on Origin Wukong, a Chinese superconducting quantum computer, using the structure of an actual grid. However, the report does not indicate whether this analysis was faster or more accurate than a classical computer, and current quantum machines typically do not demonstrate an advantage for most commercial applications.
One projected figure mentioned is a potential reduction of annual electricity measurement errors at Houdian by over 500,000 kilowatt-hours. There is no independent verification of this number or explanation of its calculation. According to the report, several Houdian technologies have since been implemented elsewhere in Anhui and are being expanded to other regions.