BASIQ Transfer – Simulation of battery materials using quantum computers

Project duration: 01.01.2027 – 31.12.2027

We use quantum algorithms to simulate processes and systems in battery materials. In doing so, we are paving the way for the next generation of safe, high-performance and long-lasting energy storage solutions for electric mobility and renewable energy.

With BASIQ Transfer, we are tackling a key problem in the development of battery materials: conventional simulation methods are often unable to accurately model the complex processes within battery cells. Quantum computers offer a theoretical advantage in this regard. We are implementing scalable quantum algorithms for dynamic processes and strongly correlated systems in order to bridge the gap between the theoretical quantum advantage and practical application. The aim is to enable the precise prediction of battery material properties in future, thereby accelerating the development of safer, higher-performance batteries and, in turn, driving forward the energy transition.

Motivation

With BASIQ-Transfer, we aim to accelerate the development of high-performance batteries for electric mobility and renewable energy. To achieve this, the properties of battery materials must be simulated with precision. Quantum computers and the implementation of quantum algorithms promise to deliver precisely that. However, there is as yet no practical evidence of such a quantum advantage. With BASIQ-Transfer, we are taking quantum computing from theory into practice by developing scalable algorithms for real-world material systems and testing them on actual quantum computers, with the aim of demonstrating the quantum advantage in concrete terms in the future.

Our robust, hardware-adaptable algorithms and their integration into QCI Connect are also intended to promote technology transfer by systematically testing and documenting scalability and fault tolerance on current quantum hardware – this is a crucial step towards industrial acceptance.

Challenge

Simulating correlated systems remains a major challenge even for quantum computers at present. The key problem is intrinsic noise, which often negates correlation effects. That is why, at BASIQ Transfer, we are focusing on algorithms that already run on today’s quantum hardware and can be scaled up in the future. Our primary focus is always on real-world applications.

Impact

With BASIQ Transfer, we are bridging the gap between quantum computing research and industrial application in materials research. Specifically, we are making quantum computers usable for battery development. Through our collaboration with DLR QCI, we are also strengthening the German and European QC ecosystem by sharing relevant knowledge and tools with other network partners. In this regard, DLR QCI facilitates the direct transfer of research findings into practice, through industry partners, access to hardware and structured technology transfer. Overall, we are thereby pursuing our overarching goal: to enhance international competitiveness in the global QC race – for Germany and Europe.