Demonstrating a Pathway to Implementable Solutions for Large-Scale Energy Industry Planning Problems Through Quantum-Classical Hybrid OptimisationJIJ Europe Ltd., the UK subsidiary of JIJ Inc. (Headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yu Yamashiro), a provider of quantum technology and optimisation software, has begun a collaborative project with ORCA Computing (Headquartered in London, UK; Co-founder & CEO: Richard Murray, hereinafter “ORCA”), bp p.l.c. (Headquartered in London, UK, hereinafter “bp”), and the UK National Quantum Computing Centre (hereinafter “NQCC”) under the NQCC’s SparQ programme. Together, the partners above will test and validate a next-generation quantum–classical hybrid optimisation workflow to address some of the most complex planning challenges in the global energy sector.A Next-Generation Approach to Large-Scale Energy PlanningAt the centre of the collaboration is a practical and scalable solution to the Unit Commitment problem: deciding when power generators should start up or shut down to meet power demand at minimal cost. This is a core challenge in electricity system operation, involving long planning horizons, interdependent constraints, and a massive number of individual discrete decisions, such as when to start or stop dozens to hundreds of generators.Building on prior research, JIJ has developed a hybrid decomposition method tailored specifically for the large-scale Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation of the Unit Commitment Problem. By breaking the overall optimisation horizon into smaller, tractable subproblems, the method enables:Conversion of each subproblem into quantum circuits;Submission of these circuits to ORCA’s photonic quantum computing system;Hybrid quantum–classical recomposition into a high-quality global plan.ORCA’s system can leverage the non-classical statistics of photonic quantum processors to explore solution landscapes in ways that classical heuristics cannot, enabling richer sampling across complex optimisation landscapes and offering the potential for higher-quality schedules and lower system costs. This approach demonstrates measurable performance advantages in structured optimisation tasks. Combined with JIJ’s decomposition approach, this provides a credible near-term pathway to applying quantum computation to real-world Unit Commitment problems at an industrial scale.ORCA’s Photonic Quantum Computing System at the NQCCInstalled at the NQCC, the ORCA testbed system represents the first deployment of its kind, combining multiple photonic sources within a single, rack-mounted architecture. Purpose-built to accelerate the development of practical quantum applications, the system enables hybrid quantum–classical workflows essential for real-world optimisation and planning. Its installation at the NQCC provides a key opportunity to assess how advanced photonic quantum systems, in combination with JIJ’s software, can support energy-sector challenges at meaningful scales and to identify the technical milestones needed for progression toward deployable solutions.ORCA’s photonic architecture offers distinct advantages for this application:High connectivity and natural scalability, enabling efficient mapping of decomposition-derived subproblems;A robust solver designed specifically for optimisation;A comprehensive SDK that provides a smooth transition from simulation to a quantum processing unit (QPU).Together, these features allow us to rigorously test performance, quantify system requirements, and identify the technical milestones needed for production-level adoption.“This project highlights the real progress being made toward practical quantum computing,” said Richard Murray, CEO and Co-Founder, ORCA Computing. “By working with partners to test quantum–classical optimisation workflows on the ORCA system at the NQCC, we are gaining valuable insight into how photonic quantum technologies can begin supporting complex planning challenges in the energy sector. It’s an exciting step toward meaningful, deployable solutions.”Looking AheadThis project is designed to ground quantum potential in practical validation by demonstrating how near-term photonic processors, paired with robust algorithmic frameworks, can begin contributing to complex decision-making workflows in the energy sector. By uniting advanced quantum hardware with industrial-grade optimisation techniques and real operational data, the consortium aims to establish a credible, evidence-based pathway for scaling hybrid quantum optimisation into industry use. In doing so, it will open the door to broader adoption of quantum-enabled solutions and underscore the potential for quantum optimisation to evolve into a foundational capability across industry.JIJ Founder and CEO, Yu Yamashiro, said, “Through this collaborative project, we aim to further advance the practical pathway for applying quantum technologies to real challenges in the energy sector. We are deeply grateful to our partners in the UK for joining us in taking this important step toward establishing quantum optimisation as a foundational technology for industries around the world.”About JIJ Inc.Company Name: JIJ Inc.CEO: Yu YamashiroAddress: INDEST Room 403, Innovation Center, Tokyo Science University Tamachi Campus 3-3-6 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023, JapanCorporate Website:https://www.j-ij.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jijinc/Founded: November 2018Business Description: Sales and provision of optimization solutions for enterprises utilizing quantum-classical hybrid technology contactInformation: JIJ Inc. Communication Team /pr@j-ij.comAbout JIJ Europe Ltd.JIJ Europe Ltd. was established in January 2025 as JIJ Inc.’s first overseas subsidiary.Positioned within the UK’s quantum technology ecosystem, the company aims to accelerate the practical application and societal implementation of quantum and optimization technologies by fostering collaboration with leading universities, research institutions, and industry partners.By deepening technological cooperation between Japan and the UK, JIJ Europe plays a central role in JIJ’s global strategy and in expanding its presence in the European market.