Is Quantum Tech Key to Unlocking UN Sustainability Goals?

Amongst worldwide sustainability challenges, quantum technologies are emerging as a key potential tool.

Quantum technology uses tiny particles to create super-fast computers and improve sensors and communication.

The exploration of quantum technologies' role in addressing climate change, healthcare and resource management is becoming particularly relevant as organisations worldwide seek innovative solutions to meet the 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with Accenture, a global multinational professional services company, have released a report researching the possibilities of quantum technologies to assist SDGs.

Titled "Quantum for Society: Meeting the Ambition of the SDGs", the report speaks to policymakers, business leaders and researchers about the applications of quantum computing, sensing (which uses atomic behaviour to measure things accurately) and communication in sustainability efforts.

From these applications, the report examines how these advanced technologies could contribute to achieving the United Nations' SDGs.

Quantum technologies and SDGs

Part of the report aims to provide guidance on how quantum technologies might unlock value for society in the context of the UN's 17 SDGs.

These SDG goals range from alleviating poverty to decarbonising the planet and improving health and well-being for all.

According to the report, the quantum ecosystem must work collaboratively to identify, prioritise and research quantum technologies that offer the chance to bring significant progress to sustainability goals.

From this advice, three main areas of quantum technology have been highlighted: quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communication.

The WEF's Quantum Economy Network has additionally been working with the global quantum ecosystem to provide governance principles, guidance and practical frameworks to better SDGs.

Furthermore, the organisation has launched the Quantum Applications Hub to promote responsible innovation and commercialisation of quantum technology.

Can quantum technology be a sustainability game-changer?

Whilst the report suggests that quantum technologies could accelerate progress towards SDGs, it also notes that many of these technologies are still in early development stages.

On the positive side, quantum sensing applications show promise for near-term impact, leading to practical usage particularly in health and affordable clean energy sectors.

For example, quantum sensors could improve medical imaging or optimise renewable energy systems, as quantum communication offers the potential for ultra-secure data transmission, surpassing current cybersecurity measures - which could be crucial for protecting sensitive environmental and health data.

However, the report also indicates that assessing quantum computing's short-term potential remains challenging.

Various approaches to quantum computing, such as superconducting and trapped ion systems, are being developed concurrently, each with distinct strengths and limitations.

Superconducting systems use ultra-cold circuits, while trapped ion systems use laser-controlled charged atoms - both manipulate quantum states for computing.

Meanwhile, the authors identify specific use cases with high impact potential, including water quality monitoring, disaster preparedness through Earth observation, solar cell design and climate modelling.

These applications align with UNESCO's Water-Energy-Food Nexus framework, highlighting the interconnected nature of sustainability challenges.

As the report states: "The power of quantum resides in its capability to advance every single SDG."

Building the ecosystem: a 'global' effort

Further addressing the current quantum technology for society ecosystem being in its early stages, the report calls for an orchestrated network of business leaders, policymakers, international organisations and academia to enable systemic change.

It also stresses the importance of combining global considerations with local priorities and interests.

Cited as an example, Sub-Saharan African countries, where quantum sensing and simulation technologies could help address drinking water disinfection problems for millions of people.

Another challenge the report highlights, is the problems faced by social entrepreneurs experimenting with quantum technologies, particularly in accessing private funding due to the lack of immediate return on investment.

Consequently, the report suggests that guidance from the entire ecosystem is necessary to help these entrepreneurs gain exposure, learn about government grants, participate in open innovation challenges and collaborate through public-private partnerships.

As an example of ongoing efforts, the WEF, in partnership with the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Saudi Arabia, has launched the Uplink Challenge.

This initiative aims to source startups that maximise the potential of quantum technologies to address key societal issues.

Sustainable-by-design: a greener computing paradigm

The report concludes by discussing the potential for quantum computing to outperform classical computers in three key domains: molecular simulation and discovery, optimisation and risk management in complex systems and AI and machine learning.

However, it cautions that claiming energy savings from quantum machines compared to classical computers is not straightforward.

Multiple factors need to be considered, including the quantum modality, cooling system and problem size.

Also emphasised, is the need for more rigorous energy efficiency metrics to measure quantum's carbon footprint and the development of machines that are inherently sustainable.

As one of the report's authors states: "Finding more rigorous energy efficiency metrics for measuring quantum's carbon footprint and building machines sustainable-by-design are highly relevant imperatives to fulfil the sustainability agenda."

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