Siemens and Swinburne Advance Energy Innovation with First Australian Research into Quantum Enhanced Grid Stability

From left to right: Professor Allison Kealy (Swinburne University), Jose Moreira (Siemens), Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian (Swinburne University), Professor Karen Hapgood (Swinburne University), Fred Baynes (QuantX Labs), Peter Halliday (Siemens)

(IN BRIEF) Swinburne University of Technology and Siemens have launched Australia’s first study into quantum-enhanced timing for power grids, aiming to improve grid stability and resilience as the energy system becomes more complex and reliant on renewables. The project combines quantum technologies from QuantX Labs with Siemens’ grid simulation software and a digital twin of Australia’s energy system to test new approaches to timing and synchronization. With current systems dependent on satellite-based signals that are vulnerable to disruption, the research explores quantum timing as a more secure and reliable alternative. The collaboration builds on an existing partnership between Siemens and Swinburne and is expected to play a key role in supporting the future development of stable, efficient, and secure energy networks.

(PRESS RELEASE) AUSTRALIA, 22-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Swinburne University of Technology and Siemens AG have launched a pioneering research initiative in Australia to explore how quantum-enhanced timing technologies can improve the resilience and stability of future electricity grids. The study marks the first effort of its kind in the country, focusing on the role of ultra-precise timing in managing increasingly complex energy systems.

As Australia’s energy landscape evolves toward greater reliance on renewable sources, distributed energy resources, and inverter-based networks, maintaining stable and synchronized power flows has become more challenging. The collaboration aims to address these challenges by investigating how quantum timing solutions could strengthen grid performance and ensure reliable energy delivery.

The project integrates advanced capabilities from QuantX Labs, including quantum clocks and secure time-transfer systems, with Siemens’ PSS®E grid simulation software—widely used in more than 145 countries—and the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub. This hub serves as a real-time digital twin of Australia’s energy network, enabling researchers to model and analyse complex grid scenarios.

Current grid operations depend heavily on satellite-based timing signals such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). However, these systems are susceptible to interference, disruption, and cybersecurity risks. The research will evaluate whether quantum-enabled timing technologies can offer a more robust and secure alternative, particularly as energy systems become more decentralised and dynamic.

Peter Halliday, CEO of Siemens Australia and New Zealand, emphasised the importance of combining technological innovation with collaboration, noting that the initiative is aimed at strengthening the resilience of Australia’s power infrastructure in the face of increasing complexity.

Jose Moreira, Head of Grid Software for Siemens in Asia Pacific, highlighted that the project sits at the intersection of emerging quantum technologies and next-generation energy systems. By combining Siemens’ expertise in grid simulation with Swinburne’s research capabilities, the initiative seeks to address both current operational challenges and future system requirements.

The collaboration builds on an existing partnership between Siemens and Swinburne, which was reinforced in 2023 with the establishment of the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub. This facility provides a platform for industry, academia, and students to develop and test solutions supporting the transition to renewable energy.

Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, Director of the Siemens–Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, noted that the research explores a largely untapped area globally, where precise timing could become a critical factor in maintaining grid stability as systems grow more distributed and complex. Professor Allison Kealy added that advancements in quantum technologies have the potential to significantly enhance precision, reliability, and trust in critical infrastructure, including energy networks.

Through this collaboration, Siemens and Swinburne aim to contribute to the development of more resilient and future-ready energy systems, supporting Australia’s transition toward a sustainable and secure electricity network.

SOURCE: Siemens