How Quantum Computing Can Power Europe

Can quantum computing be the secret weapon in Europe's battle for a sustainable future? As Europe charts its course towards a sustainable future, integrating quantum computing into the Clean Industrial Deal, unveiled on 26 February 2025, is pivotal. Quantum computing, often overshadowed by the buzz surrounding AI and blockchain, resembles Schrödinger's Cat, the famous thought experiment. Imagine a cat placed in a sealed box with a mechanism with a 50% chance of releasing poison based on a quantum event. The cat is alive and dead until you open the box. The cat's fate is only determined when the box is opened and observed.

In much the same way, quantum computing currently exists in a state of immense potential—capable of revolutionising our approach to environmental challenges or remaining an untapped resource. The 'box' in this analogy is our current policy and public engagement. Just as the observer's action determines the cat's outcome, our collective decisions and actions will decide if quantum computing becomes a pivotal tool in Europe's environmental strategy. Despite the clear benefits, EU policymakers are still waking up to the potential of quantum technologies. While global competitors make massive investments, Europe risks falling behind due to outdated perceptions and a fragmented policy approach. The recent Draghi report highlights this gap, noting that significant quantum investments are being made outside Europe.

EU policymakers are still waking up to the potential of quantum technologies. While global competitors make massive investments, Europe risks falling behind due to outdated perceptions and a fragmented policy approach.

In Brussels, debates about quantum computing oscillate between futuristic fantasies and security concerns. However, beyond these discussions lies a powerful potential for social advancement. Quantum computing can revolutionise our approach to clean technology by tackling complex chemistry challenges—challenges that currently block improvements in battery technology, green hydrogen, and more. For example, the energy density of lithium-ion batteries is expected to improve only slightly in the coming years. Quantum computing holds the key to potentially doubling these figures, revolutionising energy storage for electric vehicles and catalysing a shift in mobility decades earlier than anticipated while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

This year, 2025, marks a century since the initial development of quantum mechanics originated in Europe. Now, can Europe afford to miss the wave of quantum computing? My answer is clear: no! The transformative power of quantum technology in environmental science is profound, particularly in enhancing energy storage efficiency in lithium-ion batteries and advancing the production of green hydrogen. These advancements are crucial for accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility and significantly reducing Europe's carbon emissions. Yet, the realisation of these outcomes hinges on robust policy integration. The success of quantum computing will not be measured solely by technological advancement but by its capacity to deliver real sustainable benefits for our citizens.

The transformative power of quantum technology in environmental science is profound, particularly in enhancing energy storage efficiency in lithium-ion batteries and advancing the production of green hydrogen. These advancements are crucial for accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility and significantly reducing Europe's carbon emissions.

According to recent Eurostat data, Europeans are increasingly aware of and committed to the need for effective climate action. Citizen support for green and sustainable policies has been evident in recent elections. Europeans demand not just commitments but tangible innovations that can scale rapidly and sustainably. The push for advanced clean technology solutions from quantum computing aligns perfectly with these demands.

Global competitors are already capitalising on the benefits of quantum computing, making it essential for Europe not to fall behind. Recognising this, the EPP Group has proposed an 'EU Quantum for Climate Strategy' within the framework of the Clean Industrial Deal. This strategy aims to engage key stakeholders—government, academia, industry leaders, and research institutions—in a comprehensive effort to accelerate the commercialisation and application of quantum computing.

With Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra at the helm of climate action, there is an urgent need to weave quantum technologies into Europe's green fabric. This integration is not just beneficial but essential for leveraging quantum physics to address pressing environmental challenges effectively. Born in Europe, quantum physics now offers Europe a chance to lead in its application, ensuring that investments in this technology are impactful and deliberate.

Born in Europe, quantum physics now offers Europe a chance to lead in its application, ensuring that investments in this technology are impactful and deliberate

Let us be decisive and strategic, ensuring that quantum computing does not remain a mere potential in our policies but becomes a cornerstone of Europe's commitment to a sustainable and competitive future. As we proceed, it is crucial to remember the lesson of Schrödinger's Cat: just as our observations can resolve the state of quantum systems, our policies can shape the impact of quantum computing on Europe's green future. This moment is not merely an opportunity—it is a call to action.