China hopes to banish blackouts as quantum tech puts power grid in superposition

After a successful trial at a substation, China plans to expand the application of quantum technologies – including precision sensors and computer simulations – across its power grid to help prevent blackouts.During the 18-month trial in Hefei in Anhui province, quantum technology was used to rapidly detect and diagnose equipment defects and faults in the power system, according to a report published on Wednesday by the party mouthpiece People’s Daily.Quantum technology harnesses the physics governing individual atoms, in which they exist in multiple states simultaneously until they are measured, a phenomenon known as “superposition”. This can be used to measure, compute and communicate data in a variety of ways. While its applications are only beginning to transition from research labs to the real world, it can offer major advantages, especially in precision, speed and security.