This workshop equips data centre operations directors and energy managers with a realistic assessment of quantum optimisation for energy management, cooling dispatch, and PUE reduction.
Data centre energy optimisation is a combinatorial problem that grows exponentially with facility complexity. A hyperscale facility running hundreds of CRAH units across multiple thermal zones, with variable outside air temperatures, time-of-use electricity pricing, and workload placement constraints, faces a scheduling problem that classical optimisers struggle with as the number of decision variables increases. Quantum optimisation algorithms offer a different computational approach to these problems.
This workshop maps the specific data centre energy problems that can be formulated as QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimisation) problems and solved on quantum hardware or quantum-inspired classical solvers. Cooling dispatch scheduling, workload placement for PUE reduction, UPS load balancing, and renewable energy procurement are each examined as concrete QUBO formulations. Published benchmarks show that for scheduling problems with 50 to 200 decision variables and realistic constraints, current quantum annealing hardware (D-Wave Advantage, 5,000+ qubits) can find competitive solutions. For larger problem sizes, quantum-inspired classical alternatives (Fujitsu Digital Annealer, Toshiba SQBM+) offer a practical near-term path. The workshop provides an honest assessment of where each approach fits your operational requirements.
Full-day session structure with scheduled breaks. Content is configurable to your facility type, cooling architecture, and existing energy management infrastructure.
| # | Session | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Data Centre Energy Problem at Scale Why classical optimisation hits limits as facility complexity grows | |
| 2 | Quantum Optimisation Algorithms for Energy Management QAOA, VQE, and quantum annealing applied to data centre operations |
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| Break, after 50 min | ||
| 3 | QUBO Formulations for Data Centre Energy Problems Translating operational constraints into quantum-native representations |
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| 4 | Interactive Demonstration: Energy Optimisation Pipeline Full-day format only |
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| Break, after 60 min | ||
| 5 | Current Hardware Limits and Honest Performance Assessment What works now, what does not, and the realistic timeline |
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| 6 | Vendor Landscape and Adoption Framework Independent guidance on quantum optimisation for data centre operations |
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| 7 | Q&A and Pilot Planning | |
Workshops are designed and delivered by QSECDEF in collaboration with sector specialists. All facilitators have direct experience in both quantum technologies and data centre operations.
Workshop design and delivery
QSECDEF brings world-leading expertise in post-quantum cryptography, quantum computing strategy, and defence-grade security assessment. Our advisory membership spans 600+ organisations and 1,200+ professionals working at the intersection of quantum technologies and critical infrastructure security.
Domain expertise and operational validation
Energy optimisation workshops are co-delivered with data centre operations specialists who bring direct experience in facility management, cooling system engineering, and energy procurement. This ensures workshop content reflects the operational realities of running production data centre infrastructure.
Sessions are configured around your facility type, cooling architecture, workload patterns, and energy management infrastructure. Get in touch to discuss requirements and schedule a date.
Contact UsQuantum technologies are evolving quickly and new developments emerge regularly. This page was last updated on 15/03/2026. For the most current information about course content and suitability for your organisation, we recommend contacting us directly.
