Saudi Aramco says that it is using quantum computing to optimise oil exploration, streamline operations, and drive clean energy research.
According to recent reports, Saudi Aramco is deploying Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer, developed in partnership with French startup Pasqal and IBM. The 200-qubit quantum machine is set to be operational by Q4 2025.
This deployment marks not only a national first but also positions Saudi Arabia among the early adopters of advanced quantum computing in the energy sector.
Unlike conventional computers, Aramco’s quantum system utilises neutral-atom qubit technology, which is known for its scalability and coherence advantages.
With its 200-qubit capacity, the system represents a substantial leap beyond most current quantum machines, enabling it to process complex calculations that are prohibitively time-consuming for classical supercomputers
Pasqal’s architecture also claims that it offers the flexibility to transition from analogue computing towards hybrid analogue-digital processing, which will be integral in solving intricate real-world energy challenges.
Aramco’s primary focus is to apply this computing power across key areas in the energy industry.
One of the most critical applications involves reservoir modelling. By simulating subsurface geological formations with unprecedented accuracy, Aramco aims to optimise oil extraction and predict reservoir behaviours more reliably than traditional methods allow.
Beyond exploration, the company plans to enhance supply chain logistics. By addressing optimisation problems that classical systems struggle to solve efficiently, quantum computing may help Aramco streamline global operations and cut operational costs.
In materials science, quantum algorithms will accelerate the discovery of new catalysts and advanced materials, vital for technologies like carbon capture and cleaner fuel production. This directly supports Aramco’s efforts to diversify into low-carbon energy and address climate goals
Quantum computing is also expected to refine industrial operations by improving simulations of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and energy exchange processes, allowing for more efficient plant management and energy consumption.
Aramco’s ambitions extend beyond deploying the hardware. In parallel, reports claim that it is collaborating with IBM to establish a dedicated Innovation Hub in Riyadh. This centre will focus on co-developing quantum algorithms and hybrid AI solutions tailored for the energy sector, embedding advanced knowledge directly within the Kingdom.
Strategically, this initiative aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom’s national agenda stresses technological leadership, digital transformation, and economic diversification.
By investing early in quantum computing, Saudi Arabia signals its readiness to shift from a hydrocarbon-dependent economy to a knowledge-driven society.
Training programs via Tuwaiq Academy, research efforts at institutions like King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and national hackathons are nurturing a local quantum-savvy workforce.
Internationally, Aramco’s move positions Saudi Arabia as a regional technology leader. While competitors like BP, Shell, and ExxonMobil are exploring quantum collaborations globally, Aramco’s investment places sovereign quantum infrastructure within the Kingdom. This ensures strategic autonomy over sensitive data and intellectual property, reducing dependence on foreign cloud providers and external quantum services.
Economically, the benefits could be transformative. Early commercialization of quantum-based solutions offers Aramco an opportunity to develop proprietary algorithms, potentially leading to new businesses or quantum computing services in the future.
The deployment also helps embed advanced R&D capacities into the Saudi economy, contributing to long-term competitiveness in both the energy sector and broader technology landscapes.
Ultimately, Saudi Aramco’s quantum computing initiative represents more than technological modernisation. It is a foundational step toward building a regional quantum ecosystem, advancing national strategic interests, and enhancing the company’s edge over global competitors.
