The move enables BP to work with IBM in exploring quantum computing applications to drive efficiencies in the energy industry
The network membership will allow BP access a 65-qubit quantum computer. (Credit: Kasey Houston from FreeImages)
British multinational oil and gas company BP has become a member of the IBM Quantum Network to advance the applications of quantum computing in the energy industry.
The move is expected to allow BP to enhance its capabilities to leverage quantum advances and applications.
The network consists of a community of more than 130 members that include start-ups, academic institutions and research labs working to advance quantum computing.
By becoming a member of the IBM Quantum Network, BP will gain access to IBM’s quantum expertise and software and cloud-based access to the advanced quantum computers available via the cloud.
The network will allow BP to access a 65-qubit quantum computer, which is claimed to be the largest universal quantum system available to industry.
BP digital science and engineering senior vice president Morag Watson said: “BP’s ambition is to become a net-zero company by 2050 or sooner and help the world get to net zero.
“Next-generation computing capabilities such as quantum computing will assist in solving the science and engineering challenges we will face, enabling us to reimagine energy and design new lower carbon products.”
As a member of the network, BP will work with IBM in exploring the usage of quantum computing in solving business and engineering challenges.
In addition, the two companies will work on finding the potential applications of quantum computing to drive efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions in the energy industry.
The potential applications of quantum computing are expected in the areas such as modelling the chemistry and build-up of various types of clay in hydrocarbon; analysing and managing the fluid dynamics of wind farms; and optimising autonomous robotic facility inspection.
BP announced its net-zero ambition and its new strategy in 2020 and as part of it, the company aims to develop around 50GW of net renewable generating capacity by the end of this decade.
Recently, BP, in partnership with Oxbotica, has completed an autonomous vehicle trial at the Lingen refinery in Germany.
The trial is said to be world-first in the energy sector.