Swinburne University of Technology and Siemens have launched a pioneering research initiative in Australia to explore how quantum-enhanced timing could strengthen the resilience and stability of the nation’s evolving energy grid.
The collaboration reflects growing urgency to modernise grid infrastructure as Australia accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, distributed energy resources, and inverter-based systems.
As the national energy mix becomes increasingly decentralised and complex, maintaining a stable and continuous flow of electricity is becoming more challenging.
Traditional grid operations rely heavily on satellite-based timing signals, such as those provided by Global Navigation Satellite Systems.
However, these systems are susceptible to disruption, interference, and potential cyber threats, raising concerns about long-term reliability in critical infrastructure.
The joint research project aims to investigate whether quantum-enabled timing technologies can provide a more secure and precise alternative.
By improving the accuracy and resilience of time synchronisation across the grid, these technologies could play a crucial role in system protection, monitoring, and overall grid stability.
The initiative combines several advanced capabilities.
QuantX Labs contributes its quantum clock and quantum-secured time transfer technology, while Siemens brings its globally established PSS®E grid simulation software, currently used in more than 145 countries.
The research will also leverage the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, a sophisticated digital twin that models Australia’s energy system in real time.
Using this integrated platform, Swinburne researchers will simulate a range of grid scenarios to assess how quantum timing could perform under different conditions.
The goal is to better understand how next-generation timing solutions might support future grid architectures, particularly as renewable penetration increases and system dynamics become more variable.
Industry leaders highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling these challenges.
Siemens Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Halliday emphasised the company’s long-standing role in supporting Australia’s energy infrastructure and noted that combining advanced technology with strong partnerships is key to addressing emerging complexities in the grid.
He pointed to the research as a way to challenge existing approaches and build greater resilience into the energy system.
Jose Moreira, head of Grid Software for Siemens in the region, described the project as sitting at the intersection of quantum technology and future energy systems.
He noted that ultra-precise timing has the potential to significantly influence how power grids operate and evolve, particularly as the industry prepares for next-generation networks.
The collaboration builds on an existing partnership between Siemens and Swinburne, strengthened in 2023 with the launch of the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub.
The facility serves as a living laboratory, bringing together students, researchers, and industry stakeholders to address the challenges of Australia’s renewable energy transition using advanced digital tools.
Swinburne’s Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, who leads the hub, described the research as exploring largely uncharted territory on a global scale.
He highlighted the increasing importance of precise and resilient timing as power systems become more distributed and dynamic, and noted that the project demonstrates how theoretical research can translate into practical, real-world outcomes.
Professor Allison Kealy also underscored the broader implications of quantum technologies, pointing to their potential to enhance trust, precision, and reliability across critical infrastructure systems, including energy networks.
The announcement was made at the Siemens PSS®E Customer Days event.