Intelligent power management company Eaton (NYSE:ETN) today announced it was awarded a $7-million, 24 month contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to apply quantum computing, machine learning and advanced visualization to improve resilience and protection at the power grid. The effort will advance new quantum-enabled algorithms and hybrid quantum classical methods, developed with partners Infleqtion and Penn State, to help better detect, visualize and respond to multiple, concurrent physical and cyber threats on the grid.
Today, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) requires transmission systems to withstand two sequential failures (N 2). This project aims to analyze and prepare for multiple, concurrent and unpredictable threat combinations.
Eaton will address a key security challenge in electrical grid management known as the contingency problem, which involves evaluating countless grid configurations to identify potential vulnerabilities. Eaton will combine its longtime, proven expertise in intelligent power management with the significant computational power of quantum computing for grid resilience.
“We’re facing unprecedented risks to electric reliability and security from extreme weather, wildfires, physical and cyber threats and need tools that consider many failures at once,” said Sid Suryanarayanan, senior chief engineer, strategic partnerships and innovation at Eaton. “This AFRL funded project pairs Eaton’s grid expertise with quantum and machine learning methods to bring faster awareness and more actionable control to critical energy systems.”
ETN shares gained $1.36 to $448.14.
