Aramco has signed a MoU with Pasqal, a developer of neutral atom-based quantum technology, to collaborate on quantum computing capabilities and applications in the energy sector.
Quantum computing can be used to address a wide range of upstream, midstream and downstream challenges in the oil and gas industry including network optimization and management, reaction network generation and refinery linear programming.
The collaboration will allow Aramco to accelerate the design and development of quantum based machine learning models as well as identify and advance other use cases for the technology across its value chain.
Both companies will explore ways for cultivating the quantum information sciences ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as potential applications for quantum computing and artificial intelligence in oil and gas.
Pasqal will provide both its quantum expertise and platform to develop new use cases.
For its part, Aramco will pioneer the use of quantum computing in the energy sector, positioning itself as an early beneficiary of quantum advantage over classical computers.
The companies will also explore the applicability and benefit of augmenting Aramco’s training programmes with Pasqal’s quantum technologies as part of these joint efforts.
Pasqal was founded in 2019 by Georges-Olivier Reymond, Christophe Jurczak, Professor Dr Alain Aspect, Dr Antoine Browaeys and Dr Thierry Lahaye.
It builds quantum computers from ordered neutral atoms in 2D and 3D arrays with the goal of bringing a practical quantum advantage to its customers in addressing real-world problems, especially in quantum simulation and optimization.
Pasqal aims to establish operations in the Middle East, and grow its business both in Saudi Arabia and across the region.
“This is a very promising initiative for Pasqal and a perfect opportunity for us to show not only the energy sector, but the entire world, what our technology can do,” said Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO of Pasqal.
“It further confirms that our neutral atom technology is one of the most promising in the world.”
