aiqbench analysis
This paper establishes a rigorous framework for benchmarking quantum computing energy efficiency by comparing algorithm throughput against hardware consumption across major physical platforms like superconducting qubits and trapped ions. By defining efficiency as the ratio of performed algorithms to energy used, it provides concrete data essential for evaluating whether quantum systems can eventually outperform classical counterparts in an energy-constrained future. The work lays critical groundwork for optimizing next-generation architectures without relying on speculative claims.
Energy efficiency of quantum computers
arXiv:2605.15090v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: How much energy does a quantum computer consume? Are they more efficient than their classical counterparts? In this work, we make a step towards answering these questions. We define the energy efficiency of a quantum computer as the ratio of the number of algorithms it can perform during a given time over the energy consumed by the hardware during this time. We analyze the most representative physical platforms currently envisioned to be used as building blocks of quantum computers: superconducting qubits, silicon spin qubits, trapped ions, neutral atoms and photonic qubits. Including insights from experts in all these technologies and taking into account algorithm compilation constraints, we discuss the advantages and inconveniences of each platform from an energy standpoint. Beyond providing concrete values of the energy consumption of current quantum computers, we lay the foundation of a framework to benchmark the energy efficiency of any future quantum computing architecture.
Authors:Miquel Carrasco-Codina, Pau Escofet, Paul Hilaire, Ariane Soret, Sam Nerenberg, Victor Champain, Gerard Milburn, Klara Theophilo, Sophie H. Li, Irais Bautista, Andrés Gómez, Jose Miralles, Sergi Abadal, Carmen G. Almudéver, Eduard Alarcón, Raja Yehia
Abstract:How much energy does a quantum computer consume? Are they more efficient than their classical counterparts? In this work, we make a step towards answering these questions. We define the energy efficiency of a quantum computer as the ratio of the number of algorithms it can perform during a given time over the energy consumed by the hardware during this time. We analyze the most representative physical platforms currently envisioned to be used as building blocks of quantum computers: superconducting qubits, silicon spin qubits, trapped ions, neutral atoms and photonic qubits. Including insights from experts in all these technologies and taking into account algorithm compilation constraints, we discuss the advantages and inconveniences of each platform from an energy standpoint. Beyond providing concrete values of the energy consumption of current quantum computers, we lay the foundation of a framework to benchmark the energy efficiency of any future quantum computing architecture.
66 pages, 21 figures. Code available at: this https URL
arXiv:2605.15090 [quant-ph]
(or arXiv:2605.15090v2 [quant-ph] for this version)
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 201 words
Related coverage
Iceland Quantum Computing Companies, The Complete Vendor Guide
Quantum Zeitgeist · Aug 5, 2026
News
Quantum Computing Report · Jun 7, 2026
Quantum Computers Using 26 Qubits Gain Energetic Efficiency for Complex Tasks
Quantum Zeitgeist · May 22, 2026
News
Quantum Computing Report · Jul 25, 2026