On March 2025, iDesignRES organised the Quantum Computing Applications in Optimization Workshop at NTNU in Trondheim. The event was held in the framework of Task 2.2 (Assembling multi-physics modules and components), exploring how quantum computing (QC) can contribute to solving complex optimisation challenges relevant to energy systems.

The workshop gathered researchers, industry experts and technology developers to exchange insights on emerging quantum methodologies and their potential applications in optimisation problems.

Key themes and discussions

Throughout the day, presentations and light talks addressed:

• Advances in quantum algorithms for combinatorial optimisation
• Applications of QAOA and quantum annealing approaches
• Hybrid quantum-classical methods for large-scale optimisation
• Implications of quantum computing for energy systems modelling
• Opportunities for commercial acceleration in the energy sector

Interactive discussions and networking sessions fostered dialogue between participants from different disciplines, encouraging collaboration across quantum computing and energy modelling communities.

The workshop contributed to exploring how quantum computing could complement traditional optimisation methods used in energy system modelling. While still an emerging filed, QC-driven approaches may in the future support more efficient handling of large, complex and high-resolution optimisation problems.