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This research establishes a potential energetic advantage for superconducting cat qubit systems exceeding 26 qubits, demonstrating lower energy consumption than classical counterparts even before achieving computational superiority. By optimizing error correction and cryogenic constraints, this work addresses a critical sustainability barrier for scaling quantum technologies without relying solely on speedup metrics. The findings suggest that energy efficiency could become a primary driver for quantum adoption, offering a viable path forward as classical systems face increasing power limitations.
Quantum Computers Using 26 Qubits Gain Energetic Efficiency for Complex Tasks

For systems of over 26 qubits, quantum computation may require less energy than its classical counterpart, a surprising result given current limitations in quantum processing. Until now, energetic efficiency has lagged behind the pursuit of computational speed in quantum computers. This work demonstrates a potential energetic advantage *before* achieving computational superiority, shifting the focus towards sustainable quantum technologies.
Pedro Ramos of the PQI, Portuguese Quantum Institute, and colleagues at Quantum Green Co, Physics of Information and Quantum Technologies Group, fLaPMET – Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emerging Technologies, have identified a potential energetic advantage in quantum computation using superconducting cat qubits. The group analysed the energy consumption of the Semiclassical Quantum Fourier Transform, incorporating quantum error correction mechanisms to provide realistic energy estimations. Their findings reveal how energy usage scales with qubit number and identify key parameters influencing overall consumption. This led to the development of an optimisation method for minimising energy while preserving qubit fidelity. The study demonstrates a quantum energetic advantage, with lower energy…
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