According to the report, the quantum ecosystem needs to work collaboratively to identify, prioritize, and research quantum technologies that offer opportunities to make significant advances in sustainability goals.
This advice highlights three key areas of quantum technology: quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications.
Additionally, WEF’s Quantum Economy Network has been collaborating with the global quantum ecosystem to provide governance principles, guidance, and a practical framework for better SDGs.
Additionally, the organization has launched a Quantum Applications Hub to foster responsible innovation and commercialization of quantum technologies.
Can quantum technology bring about a sustainability revolution?
While the report suggests that quantum technologies have the potential to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, it also notes that many of these technologies are still in early development stages.
On the positive side, quantum sensing applications are expected to have a short-term impact, especially in the health and affordable clean energy sectors.
For example, quantum sensors could lead to improved medical imaging and optimization of renewable energy systems, as quantum communications offers the potential for ultra-secure data transmission that surpasses current cybersecurity measures, which could It can be important for protecting sensitive environmental and health data.
However, the report also shows that assessing the near-term potential of quantum computing remains difficult.
Various approaches to quantum computing, such as superconducting systems and trapped ion systems, are being developed simultaneously, each with different strengths and limitations.
Superconducting systems use ultracold circuits, and trapped ion systems use laser-controlled charged atoms. Both manipulate quantum states for computing purposes.
Meanwhile, the authors identify specific use cases that could have a large impact, including water quality monitoring, disaster preparedness through Earth observation, solar cell design, and climate modeling.
