JIJ and ORCA Computing Demonstrate Hybrid Quantum-Classical Energy Optimization

Quantum optimization software provider JIJ Inc. and photonic hardware developer ORCA Computing, in collaboration with bp and the UK National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), have released a comprehensive white paper validating a hybrid quantum-classical workflow tailored for the energy sector. The study focuses on solving the complex Unit Commitment Problem (UCP), which involves optimizing power generator configurations to meet grid demands efficiently.

The project utilized the unit_cal_7 dataset, featuring 25,755 variables and 48,939 constraints. The architecture employs an asymmetric hybrid approach, using JijModeling for data abstraction and OMMX for logical representation. The execution pipeline involves a dual-layer decomposition: Dantzig-Wolfe for macro-level coupling, and multi-cut Benders decomposition, where discrete subproblems are compiled into Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formats for execution on ORCA's PT-2 photonic processor.

Experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid approach provides a reproducible objective score advantage over classical heuristics like Gurobi or HiGHS. Furthermore, the system showed superior robustness during simulated intra-day grid fluctuations. The researchers project even greater performance gains with the upcoming PT-3 system, which will feature 128 qumodes and reduced sample return latencies, marking a significant step toward practical quantum advantage in industrial optimization.

Source: quantumcomputingreport.com
Publication date: 12.06.2026
Author: Mohamed Abdel-Kareem