DOE OSTI · 3017390
Quantum sensing for emerging energy technologies
Abstract
The ability to exploit quantum phenomena has enabled sensing technologies with detection limits below the classical limit. Sensors with applications in energy discovery, production, transportation, and consumption can be enhanced through quantum or hybrid quantum-classical sensors. Here, in this Review, we provide an overview of commercial and emerging quantum sensor platforms and their opportunity areas specific to advanced energy technologies. Key examples include: power grid-enhancing-technologies, where quantum magnetometers can detect powerline and transformer faults; electric vehicle-to-grid applications, where chip-scale atomic clocks can enable grid synchronization; and carbon capture and storage, where quantum gravimeters and single-photo LiDAR can detect microscopic leaks. Quantum sensor deployment requires further research into miniaturization and ruggedization for field deployment, cost-reduction, and workforce development. The maturation of clean energy technologies and quantum sensors provide opportunities for synergy, with the integration of quantum sensors into advanced energy technologies maximizing their security, reliability, and efficiency.
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Crawford, Scott E. [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000321616536), Lander, Gary R. [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Morgantown, WV (United States); NETL Site Support Contractor, Morgantown, WV (United States)], Paudel, Hari P. [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA (United States); NETL Site Support Contractor, Pittsburgh, PA (United States)], Slot, Marlou R. [Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)], Lalam, Nageswara [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA (United States); NETL Site Support Contractor, Pittsburgh, PA (United States)], Wuenschell, Jeffrey [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000329898558), Pingree, Richard [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA (United States); NETL Site Support Contractor, Pittsburgh, PA (United States)], Oueid, Rima [US Department of Energy (USDOE), Washington, DC (United States). Office of Technology Transitions (OTT)], Wright, Ruishu [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000260849220), Buric, Michael [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Morgantown, WV (United States)] (ORCID:0000000202990664), Brister, Matthew M. [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA (United States); NETL Site Support Contractor, Pittsburgh, PA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000215636496), Duan, Yuhua [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000174470142). 2025-10-20. Quantum sensing for emerging energy technologies. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44359-025-00112-7
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