Workshop 7
Application of quantum technologies in geosciences Monday, June 1st |
Convenors
- Marcin Dukalski (Aramco Research Center Delft, Aramco Europe)
- Clara Osario Tamayo (TNO – Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research)
Participant Profile
This workshop will provide a detailed examination of the current landscape of quantum computing and quantum sensing in geosciences, presenting tangible progress and the way forward rather than speculative future possibilities. With a lineup of speakers from academia, quantum technology companies, research labs, and early adopters in geosciences, this event will focus on what has already been achieved and the challenges that remain.
The first half of the workshop will cover developments in quantum computing, particularly in the realm of hybrid classical-quantum computing. While quantum processing units are still in the R&D phase, some early applications are already being implemented into geophysical workflows. These approaches predominantly leverage the strengths of quantum annealing for specific optimization problems in signal processing and imaging. The focus will be on recent applications that have demonstrated potential of reaching measurable improvements in computation times or accuracy with the next generation of devices. Presenters will walk through early promising use cases, illustrating where and how quantum computing has been applied, while highlighting the technical constraints that still need to be addressed for wider adoption.
The second half of the workshop will shift to quantum sensing, where practical applications are expected to arrive much sooner. Quantum magnetometry, gravimetry, and geodesy are starting to already make an impact, and the workshop will present concrete examples of their use in geophysical research. Quantum magnetometry with nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers, for example, has shown promise for more precise magnetic field measurements, which are crucial for everything from core analysis to mapping geomagnetic anomalies. Similarly, quantum gravimetry with cold atoms and superconducting devices is emerging as a tool for detecting subtle gravitational variations, offering new ways to study Earth’s interior and detect subsurface features like caverns or groundwater reservoirs with far greater precision than classical tools allow.
Beyond just the technologies themselves, this workshop will also address the ecosystem surrounding them. Attendees will hear from early end-users who have tested and implemented these quantum solutions in geoscientific contexts. These speakers will provide valuable feedback on both the successes and limitations of integrating quantum technologies into existing workflows.
There will also be discussions on the business case for these technologies, particularly focusing on what kinds of problems they are best suited for, and what return on investment (ROI) might realistically look like in the near-term.
This workshop is designed to inform, not speculate. Attendees can expect rigorous technical discussions balanced with practical insights into the business impacts of these emerging technologies. Whether you are a geoscientist, researcher, or industry professional looking to explore how quantum technologies can enhance your work, or a decision-maker interested in the potential economic impacts, this session will provide a realistic, fact-based overview of what quantum technologies can offer today and where they are heading.
Sub-Topics that will be covered in the workshop:
Part I: Quantum computing:
- High level introduction to different forms of quantum computing (gate-based, analogue, hybrid classical-quantum)
- Most recent examples of applications of hybrid classical-quantum analogue computing in signal processing an imaging
Part II: Quantum sensing
- High level introduction to quantum sensing and its different forms: key enablers and challenges
- Quantum magnetometry with nitrogen vacancy centers
- Quantum gravimetry with cold atoms and superconducting devices
- Quantum geodesy
- Recent applications thereof in geosciences
Participant Profile
This workshop is designed for a broad audience: geoscientists, researchers, industry professionals, and decision-makers interested in quantum technologies. Therefore the workshop aims at balancing technical details, practical applications, and potential business impact.
Presenters are experts in their respective fields (quantum computing, quantum sensing) with some overlap with geosciences. Attendees will gain insights into their potential impacts over the coming decade.
Workshop Programme
Coming Soon!
Time | Activity |
---|---|
08:30 | Welcome |
08:45 | Introduction into the workshop topics – Dirk Orlowsky, Andreas Schuck, Stefan Buske |
09:00 | Development of exploration programs within the German site selection procedure to find a final repository of high-level radioactive waste Frank Meier (BGE) |
09:30 | Finding the most boring hot-spot – The site selection procedure from a regulator perspective– Matthias Riede (BASE) |
10:00 | Coffee Break + Poster Session |
10:30 | Applied geophysics during construction and operational phases of ONKALO® – Tommi Pirttisalo (Posiva) |
11:00 | Geoscientific Exploration Strategy in Sweden - Thomas Lethimaki (SKB) |
11:30 | Site selection process for the deep geological repository in the Czech Republic – Marek Vencl (SURAO) |
12:00 | Lunch Break |
13:30 | From nation-wide screening to confirming site scale studies - Geophysics in the Finnish siting programme – Markku Paananen (GTK) |
13:55 | Imaging the Asse Salt Structure (Germany) - Volker Becker , Maximilian Scholze (BGE) |
14:20 | Geological investigation program on potential sites in the Czech Republic for 2024–2028- Martin Valter (SURAO) |
14:45 | Coffee Break + Poster Session |
15:15 | Methodology for implementing clay type repository in Meuse/Haute-Marne – Michel Hayet (Andra) |
15:40 | Screening Germany’s subsurface: the search for a deep geological repository for high-level radioactive waste– Christian E. Derer (BGE), Thomas Henke (BGE) |
16:05 | Applied in-situ testing and monitoring methods in the Swiss site selection program for a radioactive waste repository – Thomas Trick (SOLEXPERTS), Thomas Fierz (SOLEXPERTS) |
16:25 | Pannel Discussion - Frank Meier (BGE) , Tommi Pirttisaldo (POSIVA), Michel Hayet (ANDRA), Marek Vencl (SURAO) |
17:25 | Closing Discussion |
Poster Session
Time | Activity |
---|---|
Poster 1 | 3D High-Resolution Velocity Model Building for the Characterization of Nuclear Waste Disposal Sites - Lena Bräunig , Niklas Kühne, Felix Hloušek, Stefan Buske, Volker Becker, Maximilian Scholze, Hui Ding |
Poster 2 | GeoMetEr – Development of Geophysical Methods for Site Selection in Germany – Gabriel, G., Rippe, D., Nordsiek, S. & GeoMetEr Science Team |
Poster 3 | Advancing seismic imaging: Fresnel volume migration in anisotropic and anelastic media Niklas Kühne, Felix Hlousek, Stefan Buske, Hui Ding and Maximilian Scholze |
Poster 4 | 3D borehole radar for the preliminary exploration of possible repository sites - Dirk Orlowsky, Volker Gundelach |
Poster 5 | Direction sensitive GPR borehole measurements in EBrg. 700-4 in salt mine AsseII - Volker Gundelach, BGR |
Poster 6 | Correlation of Geophysics and Geology for exploring possible repository sites - Markus Krieger |