bp has joined the IBM Quantum Network, in a move bp said will enhance its ability to leverage quantum computing and will advance the use of the technology in the energy industry.

As an industry partner, bp said they will have access to IBM’s quantum expertise and software, as well as quantum computers via the cloud, including a 65-qubit quantum ‎computer, thought to be the largest quantum system available to industry today.

The IBM Quantum roadmap also includes plans for a 1,000-plus qubit system, targeted for the end of ‎‎2023.

bp said they will work with IBM to explore how quantum computing can solve business and engineering ‎challenges, including driving efficiencies and reducing carbon ‎emissions.

The announcement highlighted the potential of quantum computing in areas such as: modelling the chemistry ‎and build-up clay in hydrocarbon wells, analysing and managing the fluid dynamics of wind farms, and optimising ‎autonomous robotic facility inspection.

In 2020, bp announced its net zero ambition and its new strategy, which included ‎plans to develop around 50 gigawatts of net renewable-generating capacity, increase annual low carbon investment to $5 billion, and cut its oil ‎and gas production by 40 per cent.‎‎

‎‎“bp’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and help the world get to ‎net zero,” said Morag Watson, senior vice president, digital ‎science and engineering for bp.‎‎

“Next-generation computing capabilities such as quantum computing will assist in ‎solving the science and engineering challenges we will face, enabling us to reimagine energy ‎and design new lower carbon products.”

Dario Gil, ‎senior vice president and director of IBM Research, said: "bp joins a rapidly growing number of clients working with IBM to explore quantum computing to ‎help accelerate the discovery of solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.”

He added: “The energy industry is ripe with opportunities ‎to see value from the use of quantum computing through the discovery of new materials designed ‎to improve the generation, transfer, and storage of energy."‎

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