Modelling of a Quantum computer /
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Flickr / Pierre Metivier
Luxembourg has joined a select group of EU countries preparing to deploy quantum computers, with the MeluXina-Q expected to open new horizons in research and technology.
Luxembourg recently became the seventh EU country to be selected for a quantum computer, following Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Czechia, and Poland. Quantum computers, known for their ability to perform calculations far faster than traditional computers, are seen as a gateway to a new technological era.
This was the message conveyed by representatives from the Luxembourg government, LuxProvide, and various EU agencies during a project presentation on Monday morning. Unlike conventional computers, which rely on bits to represent data as zeros and ones, quantum computers use 'qubits'. Qubits allow for a more complex range of calculations, leveraging quantum effects.
Christian Pauly from the Ministry of the Economy explained that quantum computers can calculate not only with zeros and ones but also with the values in between, thanks to quantum effects. He emphasised the importance of connecting individual qubits, as only by entangling them–achieving a superposition–can the computational capacity increase exponentially. "With each added qubit, the capacity nearly doubles," Pauly noted.
Luxembourg's quantum computer will initially operate with ten qubits, with plans to expand to a capacity of 80 within two years. While the initial phase will focus on research, the computer is expected to support practical projects in the future, particularly in FinTech, healthcare, and materials science. Minster for Digitalisation and Higher Education Stéphanie Obertin highlighted another key area: cybersecurity, where quantum computing could offer significant advancements.
Minister Obertin noted that, in the future, quantum computers will be able to process data so rapidly that encryption algorithms currently considered secure could be easily broken, posing significant challenges for cybersecurity. However, she noted that quantum technology also holds the key to developing new encryption techniques, known as post-quantum cryptography, which would restore data security in the face of quantum advancements.
The seven quantum computers planned for the EU will utilise different technologies. Luxembourg's quantum computer, according to Minister of the Economy Lex Delles, will be a "unique, one-of-a-kind computer" as it will be the first to be silicon-based. This choice provides an advantage, ensuring secure supply chains within the EU. While the construction involves various hardware components, Delles stressed the importance of developing compatible software and ensuring efficient operation of the system.
Luxembourg's quantum computer, named MeluXina-Q, will be managed by LuxProvide and located at the national competence centre for supercomputing in Bissen, alongside the MeluXina supercomputer. Gustav Kalbe, acting director of the European Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content, and Technology, emphasised that quantum computers can work in tandem with classical machines, a critical feature for managing energy consumption, especially as artificial intelligence continues to advance.
Kalbe noted the immense energy demands of artificial intelligence, pointing out that major companies developing large AI models are even considering building their own nuclear power plants to meet these needs. He explained that integrating quantum computers with classical systems can drastically reduce energy consumption, underscoring the long-term necessity of quantum technology. "No self-respecting data centre can remain competitive in the future without quantum computers," Kalbe emphasised.
The Luxembourg quantum computer, which fits in a small room, consumes the same amount of energy as 25 single-family homes and requires cooling to a temperature of minus 273 degrees Celsius to function. The total cost of the computer is €17 million, with funding provided by both the Luxembourg government and the EU. It is expected to be delivered by mid-2025 and fully operational by late 2025 or early 2026.
