Key takeaways
- Quantum threats demand immediate action: The advent of quantum computing poses a serious threat to critical energy infrastructure. Current encryption methods are vulnerable, and energy companies must act swiftly to integrate quantum-resistant technologies to safeguard their systems against future cyberattacks.
- Quantum-resistant technologies are crucial for long-term security: Adopting quantum-resistant encryption algorithms is vital to future-proofing energy infrastructures. Implementing these technologies will not only secure energy grids but also ensure business continuity and maintain trust in digital energy systems.
- Proactive strategies are key to quantum-ready energy infrastructure: Energy companies must adopt a proactive approach to quantum cybersecurity by investing in early pilot projects, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and driving continuous innovation. Building a resilient, quantum-proof energy ecosystem will require long-term commitment from leadership and strategic partnerships.
The ongoing development of quantum computers presents energy companies with new and previously unknown challenges. The security of critical infrastructures is particularly affected, as quantum computers could crack modern encryption methods within a very short time.
Energy companies must therefore set the course for future network security early on to protect their systems from this new threat. Due to its key role in the economy and society, the energy sector is a prime target for cyberattacks. Given the ability of quantum computers to overcome existing security barriers, the use of innovative, quantum-resistant technologies is essential to ensure long-term security.
Quantum computing: The new cybersecurity threat
Quantum computers are based on the principles of quantum mechanics and can therefore calculate exponentially faster than conventional computers. Currently used public-key cryptography methods, such as RSA or ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), which are used in the energy industry to protect sensitive data and communications, are particularly vulnerable due to the immense computing power of quantum computers.
The energy industry faces critical infrastructure risks across physical, digital, and cyber domains. Key vulnerabilities include aging transmission grids, IoT-enabled SCADA systems, cloud-connected control platforms, and decentralized renewable assets. Each infrastructure layer—generation (nuclear, thermal, solar, and wind), transmission, distribution, and storage—is vulnerable to cyber threats, data interception, and operational disruptions.
“As quantum computing advances, the energy sector must not only be aware of the emerging risks but also take bold, proactive steps to implement quantum-resistant technologies. By embedding these solutions early in the design and transformation of infrastructure, energy companies can safeguard critical systems and ensure resilience against the quantum threats of tomorrow.”
Prof. Dr. Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes
Quantum security risks are especially pressing for renewables. Quantum decryption capabilities pose a threat to encrypted grid communications, predictive maintenance data, and smart metering systems. Nuclear facilities risk exposure of command-and-control protocols; thermal and wind systems face data spoofing threats; and solar networks may suffer from integrity breaches in blockchain-based trading systems.
Boards and C-suites must shift from quantum awareness to quantum readiness. A specific call to action includes initiating a comprehensive quantum cryptographic resilience assessment, aligning with NIST post-quantum standards, and upgrading infrastructure security protocols to future-proof national energy resilience against looming quantum-era threats.
Adopting quantum-resistant technologies
The development of quantum-resistant encryption algorithms is one of the most promising solutions for countering future threats posed by quantum computers. These algorithms are based on mathematical concepts that even the most advanced quantum computers cannot efficiently solve.
Current research in post-quantum cryptography
In the context of so-called post-quantum cryptography, numerous research institutes and companies worldwide are working on developing encryption methods that will remain secure even in a world with functional quantum computers. Initial standards and norms for implementing these technologies are already being established, for example, by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
NIST’s Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standardization, which began in 2016, finalized HQC in March 2025, concluding its fourth round of development. HQC was selected for robust security, despite larger keys. NIST advances 14 new signature schemes and guides transition by 2035, emphasizing that businesses must prioritize PQC adoption for long-term data security, leveraging hybrid schemes and cryptographic agility to mitigate quantum risks.1
Quantum readiness in smart city deployments demands a sophisticated orchestration of both business and digital transformation strategies. As cities embed emerging and frontier technologies—such as AI, blockchain, digital twins, and IoT—into their critical infrastructure, quantum-proofing becomes imperative to safeguard data, systems, and services from quantum-enabled cyber threats.
The energy sector, a foundational pillar of smart cities, is especially vulnerable. Quantum vulnerabilities in energy infrastructure—encompassing nuclear, thermal, wind, solar, and grid networks—can cascade across all dependent sectors, including healthcare, transportation, finance, manufacturing, and public safety, thereby amplifying systemic risk.
The dual synergy of quantum technologies with blockchain or digital twins plays a transformative role in advancing quantum resilience. Quantum + blockchain fortify decentralized systems with post-quantum cryptographic integrity, while Quantum + digital twins enable hyper-accurate, secure modeling of urban systems. These combinations lay the foundation for a future-ready, cyber-resilient, sustainable smart city. Boards and city leaders must act now to transition from quantum awareness to full-spectrum quantum readiness.
Integrating quantum resistance into legacy systems
Integrating quantum-resistant technologies into existing energy infrastructures is not a trivial process. It requires a thorough analysis of existing systems and a gradual adaptation of security protocols. One of the biggest challenges lies in the complexity of implementation, which requires close collaboration with IT security providers and quantum cryptography specialists.
Best practice example
Energy companies should launch early pilot projects to implement post-quantum cryptography in selected areas. This could be done, for example, in closed networks or when communicating operational data to gain experience before implementing it widely. Targeted knowledge transfer and training of IT security teams are also essential.
There are several practical challenges when implementing quantum-resistant systems, including a limited talent pool, fragmented infrastructure, and resistance to change. Overcoming these obstacles required conducting a robust quantum risk assessment and a comprehensive quantum feasibility analysis to guide strategic decisions. Powerful enablers included a clearly defined quantum strategic roadmap, the development of a quantum orchestration playbook, and the integration of quantum-specific KPIs and OKRs to measure progress and resilience.
Organizationally, success demanded cross-functional alignment, upskilling or reskilling, and reconfiguring governance models to embed quantum readiness, ensuring sustainable and secure enterprise-wide adoption.
Outlook: Resilience for long-term security
The development of quantum computers is expected to revolutionize cybersecurity. Energy companies must now consider how to protect their critical infrastructures from future threats. The focus is increasingly on long-term security and resilience, not just short-term solutions. The adoption of quantum-resistant technologies will play a fundamental role in maintaining trust in the digital energy infrastructure and ensuring business continuity, even in a world dominated by quantum computers.
To ensure long-term infrastructure resilience, energy companies must secure sustained commitment from the board and C-suite to quantum-proofing initiatives. Strategic goals should include embedding quantum encryption at every enterprise layer, from grid control to distributed energy assets.
Long-term viability demands continuous innovation, supported by quantum innovation labs, testbeds, or playgrounds where quantum technologies are integrated early into the design of energy products and services. Building a robust quantum-resilient ecosystem requires cross-sector strategic alliances and public-private partnerships that foster research, standardization, and scalability. A forward-looking strategy must prioritize resilience, interoperability, and sustainability.
A proactive strategy is essential
The threat posed by quantum computers is no longer just a theoretical discussion—it is real and requires proactive measures. Energy companies that deploy quantum-resistant technologies early on can position themselves as pioneers in securing their infrastructures. The path to this goal may be challenging, but the long-term security and protection of our critical infrastructures make this step unavoidable.
Forward-thinking companies are leveraging the convergence of multi-agentic AI, physical AI, ambient AI, digital twins, blockchain, 6G, and satellite internet—combined with quantum technologies—to enhance their quantum readiness and achieve enterprise-wide quantum-proofing.
A key future direction is the implementation of a quantum-centric Failure Mode and Lifecycle Analysis (FMLA) framework to proactively identify vulnerabilities, assess quantum impact across system lifecycles, and design fault-tolerant architectures. This is supported by a continuous QA/QI (Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement) loop that integrates quantum risk monitoring and performance optimization.
Embedding quantum resilience in the early stages of infrastructure design ensures long-term security, auditability, and adaptability in the face of quantum-era threats.
Source
- NIST, “NIST PQC: The Road Ahead,” March, 2025
Cover image: stock.adobe.com
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely the author’s opinion and not investment advice—it is provided for educational purposes only. By using this, you agree that the information does not constitute any investment or financial instructions. Do conduct your own research and reach out to financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
