Enel adopts quantum-inspired technologies to optimize maintenance

Reply has implemented a Quantum Inspired Algorithm, that can be used on both Quantum and traditional computers, for Enel, one of the leading global operators in the electricity and renewable energy production sector. The innovative solution allows Enel to quickly identify the optimal allocation of maintenance activities for operating units distributed across the areas where it operates.

For Enel, which boasts a presence in over 30 countries around the world, a network of over 2.2 million kilometres and 74 million end users, it is essential to coordinate the crews and the allocation and planning of the objectives of the operating units scattered throughout the various territories to guarantee the highest level of service for its customers. Hence the need for operational planning that is as efficient as possible.

The solution developed by Reply is based on the QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization) mathematical model and can be performed effectively by quantum hardware, known as Quantum Processing Units or QPU, as well as by classical hardware, known as Graphics Processing Unit or GPU.

Extracting the maximum potential of the GPUs was possible thanks to the MegaQUBO accelerator, a software solution developed by Data Reply to speed up the implementation of Quantum Inspired Optimisation projects. MegaQUBO is a solution certified by Amazon Web Services for use on the AWS Cloud, through the Foundational Technical Review process, which ensures that the software adheres to AWS architectural best practices.

In addition to identifying the optimal allocation of activities, the algorithm created for Enel is also able to calculate the optimal travel routes to reach work destinations, minimising travel times and distances and maximising the time available for actual maintenance work. This leads to a significant increase in productivity and a substantial reduction in operating costs, as well as the corresponding environmental impact.

“Quantum computing makes it possible to solve challenges considered insurmountable until just a few years ago” commented Filippo Rizzante, CTO of Reply. “As we were able to successfully demonstrate based on our experience with Enel, the use of quantum algorithms to solve optimisation problems allows us to obtain significant benefits, not only in the quality of the results, but also in the reduction of processing times. At Reply, we are thus closely exploring different areas in which we can exploit the potential of quantum computing to obtain insights from extremely large and constantly updated databases.”

“The need to implement optimisation strategies on increasingly large territorial areas has correspondingly enhanced the complexity of the problem, to the point that a new and innovative approach was needed”, explains Fabio Veronese, Head of Infrastructure & Networks Digital Hub at Enel. “The Quantum Inspired approach implemented together with Reply has made it possible to achieve significant and concrete results in the field, and is applicable to both known problems, as well as to new business contexts.”