Quantinuum and BP have launched quantum underground exploration - ForkLog: cryptocurrencies, AI, singularity, the future

# Quantinuum and BP Launch Quantum Subsurface Exploration

Quantinuum and the energy giant BP have initiated a joint project to apply quantum computing for subsurface probing and mapping of Earth's interior.

The initiative aims to solve fundamental problems of wave physics underlying seismic imaging. The companies intend to modernize methods for searching for oil and gas resources.

Subsurface exploration requires processing vast amounts of data and solving complex wave propagation equations. In classical computing, memory and power requirements grow proportionally with spatial resolution: doubling it can require a multiple increase in HPC cluster resources.

Quantinuum claims that using quantum systems will enable higher data detail at lower costs. Theoretically, adding just one qubit doubles the dimension of the quantum state space, providing exponential scaling without infrastructure bloat.

"This is potentially an important industry case. We can offer a more efficient path for energy exploration, providing high-precision data with lower computational costs compared to classical methods," said Quantinuum President and CEO Rajib Hazra.

Currently, the project is in its early stages. The parties have not disclosed specific algorithm types or exact timelines for achieving "quantum supremacy" over traditional geophysical systems.

The energy sector is becoming one of the main testing grounds for quantum technologies. In 2025, Saudi Aramco also launched the specialized quantum emulator Dammam 7Q for similar subsurface research.

Recall that in May 2026, Cisco's Global Director of Innovation Guy Diedrich announced that the company would prepare network infrastructure for the quantum leap.