TECHNICAL SEMINAR

ON
“Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power
Systems”
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
SUBMITTED BY:
SANJAYRAJ N (4AI21EE021)

UNDER THE GUIDENCE OF

Mr. SRIDHAR N HM.E, [Ph.D]
Asst. Professor
Dept. of E&E,
AIT, Chikkamagaluru

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING
ADICHUNCHANAGIRI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Affiliated to VTU, Belagavi and Approved by AICTE, New Delhi)
CHIKKAMAGALURU-577102
2023-2024

i
 TECHNICAL SEMINAR
ON
“Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power
Systems”
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

SUBMITTED BY:
SANJAYRAJ N (4AI21EE021)

UNDER THE GUIDENCE OF

Mr. SRIDHAR N HM.E, [Ph.D]
Asst. Professor
Dept. of E&E,
AIT, Chikkamagaluru

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING
ADICHUNCHANAGIRI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Affiliated to VTU, Belagavi and Approved by AICTE, New Delhi)

CHIKKAMAGALURU-577102

ii
2023-2024

iii
ADICHUNCHANAGIRI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
CHIKKAMAGALURU-577102
DEPARTMENT OF
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
CERTIFICATE

This is to Certify that SANJAYRAJ N (4AI21EE021) have submitted the Technical

Seminar Report entitled “Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk
Assessment in Power Systems”. He has satisfactorily completed the Technical
Seminar prescribed by the VISVESWARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY,
BELGAVI for the 8th semester B.E Curriculum of ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS
ENGINEERING in this institute for the academic year 2024-2025.

Guide Co-ordinator
Mr. SRIDHAR N HM.E, [Ph.D] Mrs. RUMANA ALIB.E, M.Tech
Asst. Professor Asst. Professor
Dept. of E&E, AIT, Chikkamagaluru Dept. of E&E, AIT, Chikkamagaluru

Principal
H.O.D
Dr. C T JAYADEVAPh.D
Dr. G R VEERENDRAM.E, Ph.D
Principal
Prof. & HOD
AIT, Chikkamagaluru
Dept. of E&E, AIT, Chikkamagaluru

Name of examiners Signature of examiners

1. ________________________ ________________________
2. ________________________ ________________________

iv
 ADICHUNCHANAGIRI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
CHIKKAMAGALURU-577102
DEPARTMENT OF
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

APPROVAL

The Technical Seminar Report on “Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk
Assessment in Power Systems” is hereby approved as a credible study of an
engineering subject Technical Seminar (21EE81) carried out and requisite to the
degree of BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING in ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING during the academic year 2024-2025.
Dept. of E&E, AIT, Chikkamagaluru

Guide
Mr. SRIDHAR N HM.E, [Ph.D] Co-ordinator
Asst. Professor
Mrs. RUMANA ALIB.E, M.Tech
Dept. of E&E, AIT, Chikkamagaluru
Asst. Professor
Dept. of E&E, AIT, Chikkamagaluru

H.O.D
Dr. G R VEERENDRAM.E, Ph.D Principal

Prof. & HOD Dr. C T JAYADEVAPh.D

Principal
5
 AIT, Chikkamagaluru

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We express our sincere and humble pranams to His Holiness BHAIRAVAIKYA SRI SRI
SRI PADMABUSHANA Dr. BALAGANGADHARANATHA MAHA SWAMIJI, SRI
SRI SRI NIRMALANANDANATHA MAHA SWAMIJI, and SRI SRI
GUNANATHA MAHA SWAMIJI, and seek their blessings.

The satisfaction accompanying the completion of any task would be incomplete without
acknowledging the people who made it possible. Their constant guidance and
encouragement drove us to seek perfection.

We would specifically thank Mrs. RUMANA ALI Assistant Professor Department of

Electrical and Electronics Engineering the concerned coordinator of this Technical
Seminar for his valuable guidance, time and devotion for helping us with all the intimate
technical details of the project.

We would especially like to thank Mr. SRIDHAR N H, Assistant Professor, E&E

Department, Guide of this Technical Seminar, for his valuable guidance, time, and
dedication, and for assisting us with all the technical details.

The cooperation of Dr. G R VEERENDRA, Associate Professor and Head of the

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, is unparalleled, and we are
extremely obliged to him.

We owe the success to our respected principal, Dr. C T JAYADEVA, whose constant
encouragement made the completion of this Technical Seminar Report possible.

We take this opportunity to thank and express our gratitude to our dear parents, who have
given us the right education, always been a source of inspiration, and supported us
throughout this journey.

6
We are also thankful to all the teaching and non-teaching staff of our department, who
have made significant contributions to the successful completion of this by extending
their help in various capacities.

7
 ABSTRACT

The increasing uncertainty in modern power systems due to high penetration of renewable
energy sources necessitates advanced computational techniques for accurate risk
assessment. This study explores the application of Stochastic Quantum Power Flow
(SQPF) as a novel approach to efficiently analyze uncertainty in power system
operations. By leveraging Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods and Quantum
Amplitude Estimation (QAE), SQPF significantly reduces the computational complexity
of traditional Monte Carlo-based risk assessments. Using quantum simulations on a
small-scale power network, we demonstrate how quantum-enhanced stochastic analysis
can improve real-time grid monitoring and decision-making. Our findings highlight the
advantages of quantum computing in handling large-scale uncertainty while addressing
current hardware limitations. This research provides a foundation for integrating quantum
algorithms into future power system operations, ensuring faster, more accurate, and
scalable stochastic power flow analysis for renewable-rich grids.

CONTENT
 S
CHAPTER 1...................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................1

CHAPTER 2...................................................................................................3
LITERATURE SURVEY..............................................................................3

CHAPTER 3...................................................................................................5
STOCHASTIC QUANTUM POWER FLOW IN POWER SYSTEMS. .5

CHAPTER 4...................................................................................................7
QUANTUM COMPUTING FRAMEWORK AND ITS
IMPLEMENTATION IN STOCHASTIC POWER FLOW......................7

CHAPTER 5.................................................................................................11
EXPERIMENTAL FRAMEWORK AND ANALYSIS............................11

CHAPTER 6.................................................................................................14
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES................................................14

CHAPTER 7.................................................................................................15
APPLICATIONS.........................................................................................15

CHAPTER 8.................................................................................................17
CONCLUSION............................................................................................17
REFERENCE..............................................................................................18
 LIST OF FIGURES

Fig No. Name of Figures Page no.

4.1 Quantum Computing in Power Systems 7

4.2 Quantum Power Flow Framework 8

4.3 Sample Quantum Circuit for SQPF 10

5.1 3-Bus Test System for Quantum Simulation 11

5.2 Stochastic Power Flow Calculation Process Based on MCS 12

LIST OF ABBREVIATION

AC Alternating Current

DC Direct Current

MCS Monte Carlo Simulation

SPF Stochastic Power Flow

SQPF Stochastic Quantum Power Flow

QC Quantum Computing

QMC Quantum Monte Carlo

QAE Quantum Amplitude Estimation

PTDF Power Transfer Distribution Factor

SVD Singular Value Decomposition

NISQ Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum

RES Renewable Energy Sources

IED Intelligent Electronic Device

RTDS Real-Time Digital Simulator

HIL Hardware-in-the-Loop

QPU Quantum Processing Unit

Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
The modern power system is undergoing a rapid shift with the growing penetration of
renewable energy sources (RES) such as wind and solar. These sources, while
environmentally beneficial, introduce significant operational challenges due to their
dependence on unpredictable weather patterns. This uncertainty makes it difficult for grid
operators to predict power generation accurately, especially in real-time operations.
Traditional power flow analysis methods rely on deterministic approaches, which assume
fixed generation and load conditions. Such methods fail to capture the full range of
possible operating scenarios, especially in grids with high renewable integration. In the
past, deterministic methods were sufficient for grids dominated by conventional
generation, but modern power grids operate under far more uncertainty. To address these
limitations, Stochastic Power Flow (SPF) techniques have emerged. SPF methods
account for the uncertainty in generation and load by modeling inputs as probability
distributions. These distributions capture variations in generation from wind farms, solar
plants, and fluctuating consumer loads. The most common method used for SPF is Monte
Carlo Simulation (MCS). In MCS, thousands of random scenarios are generated by
sampling from input distributions, and power flow calculations are performed for each
scenario. This provides a statistical representation of line flows and system behavior.
However, MCS has a significant drawback — its accuracy depends heavily on the
number of samples used, often requiring tens of thousands of calculations. This becomes
computationally expensive and impractical for large power systems, even when high-
performance computing is applied.
This computational bottleneck has led researchers to explore the potential of Quantum
Computing (QC) as a game-changing technology for power system risk assessment.
Quantum computing, unlike classical computing, utilizes principles such as superposition
and entanglement, enabling quantum computers to process multiple scenarios
simultaneously. This ability makes quantum computing particularly suited for problems
involving uncertainty, such as stochastic power flow analysis. The paper "Stochastic
Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems" introduces a
groundbreaking framework called Stochastic Quantum Power Flow (SQPF). This
framework is the first of its kind to apply quantum computing directly to stochastic power
flow analysis. In SQPF, the uncertain generation and load inputs are encoded into
quantum states, which store the full probability distributions of these inputs. Instead of
performing thousands of separate power flow calculations like in traditional Monte Carlo
methods, the quantum circuit transforms the input quantum states into output quantum
states representing line flows. This transformation is achieved using the Power Transfer
Distribution Factor (PTDF) matrix, which relates bus injections to line flows. To make
this PTDF matrix compatible with quantum circuits, the paper uses Singular Value

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Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems
Decomposition (SVD) to break it down into simpler unitary operations — the building
blocks of quantum circuits. After performing these transformations, Quantum Amplitude
Estimation (QAE) is used to extract important risk metrics, such as the expected line
loading and the probability of line overloading. Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) achieves
these results with far fewer samples — theoretically requiring only the square root of the
samples needed by classical Monte Carlo methods, drastically reducing computational
time.
The significance of this approach lies not only in its potential speedup but also in its
ability to handle the increasing complexity of modern power grids. As renewable
integration increases and grids become more dynamic, fast and accurate risk assessment
methods are essential for ensuring reliable operations. Current quantum computers,
known as NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) devices, have limitations such as
noise and limited qubit counts, meaning that practical deployment of SQPF is still some
years away. However, this work provides a vital proof of concept, demonstrating that
quantum computing can be directly applied to real-world power system problems. With
ongoing advancements in quantum hardware and error correction techniques, it is
expected that quantum computing will soon play a crucial role in grid risk assessment and
operational planning. In conclusion, the introduction of the Stochastic Quantum Power
Flow method represents a transformative step in power system analysis. It highlights how
quantum computing’s inherent advantages align with the growing need for fast, accurate,
and scalable stochastic analysis in renewable-rich power systems. This innovation bridges
the gap between quantum technology and practical power system operations, offering a
glimpse into a future where complex grid assessments can be performed in real-time,
helping utilities manage uncertainty more effectively than ever before.

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Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE SURVEY
[1]. B. Borkowska, “Probabilistic Load Flow,” IEEE Transactions on
Power Apparatus and Systems, vol. 93, no. 3, 1974.
This paper introduced one of the earliest methods for probabilistic load flow analysis,
marking the foundation for stochastic power flow techniques. It highlighted the
importance of considering uncertainties in generation and load, which became
increasingly relevant with the rise of renewable energy sources. The probabilistic
approach laid the groundwork for more advanced stochastic methods used today.

[2]. B.W. Tuinema, J. Rueda Torres, A. Stefanov, F. Gonzalez-Longatt,

M. van der Meijden, “Probabilistic Reliability Analysis of Power
Systems,” Springer, 2020.
This study provided a comprehensive approach to integrating probabilistic methods into
power system reliability analysis. It emphasized the role of uncertainty modeling in
modern grids, where renewable energy and dynamic loads introduce constant
fluctuations. By combining reliability assessment with probabilistic power flow, the work
demonstrated the need for risk-focused operational planning.

[3]. A.W. Harrow, A. Hassidim, S. Lloyd, “Quantum Algorithm for

Linear Systems of Equations,” Physical Review Letters, vol. 103, 2009.
This groundbreaking paper proposed the HHL algorithm, which offers exponential
speedup in solving linear systems using quantum computing. Although originally
intended for general-purpose applications, its relevance to power flow calculations made
it a cornerstone for applying quantum algorithms to grid analysis. This work is
fundamental in bridging quantum computing and power system research.

[4]. R. Eskandarpour, K. Ghosh, A. Khodaei, A. Paaso, “Experimental

Quantum Computing to Solve Network DC Power Flow Problem,”
IEEE, 2021.
This research applied quantum computing to solve DC power flow problems for the first
time on real quantum hardware. It demonstrated the feasibility of encoding power system
equations into quantum circuits, providing a proof-of-concept for future applications of

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Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems
quantum algorithms in power flow studies. This work paved the way for integrating
quantum techniques into power system analysis.

[5]. B. Sævarsson, H. Jóhannsson, S. Chatzivasileiadis, “Stochastic

Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems,” Electric
Power Systems Research, vol. 241, 2025.
This paper introduced the complete framework for Stochastic Quantum Power Flow
(SQPF). It combined classical power system modeling with quantum computing
techniques to perform risk assessment under uncertain conditions. By leveraging
Quantum Monte Carlo and Quantum Amplitude Estimation, the method drastically
reduced sample complexity while maintaining accuracy. This pioneering work represents
the first practical framework combining stochastic power flow and quantum computing,
making it a significant milestone in power system research.

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Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems

CHAPTER 3

STOCHASTIC QUANTUM POWER FLOW IN

POWER SYSTEMS

Stochastic Quantum Power Flow (SQPF) is an advanced method developed to handle the
increasing uncertainty in modern power systems caused by high penetration of renewable
energy sources (RES) such as wind and solar. Traditional deterministic power flow
methods are insufficient to capture the wide range of possible operating conditions under
such uncertainty. Classical stochastic power flow methods using Monte Carlo Simulation
(MCS) are computationally intensive, requiring thousands of power flow calculations for
accurate risk assessment. By integrating quantum computing into the power flow process,
SQPF offers a faster, more efficient approach to performing risk assessments under
uncertain conditions. This chapter outlines the core concepts of SQPF, its working
principle, and how quantum algorithms enhance traditional stochastic power flow
analysis.

3.1 Concept of Stochastic Power Flow

Stochastic power flow aims to model power system behavior under uncertainty by
representing input variables, such as generation and load, as probability distributions
instead of fixed values. Each scenario is sampled from these distributions, and power
flow calculations are performed to estimate line flows, bus voltages, and other operating
parameters. The results help operators assess the probability of overloads, voltage
violations, and system instability. While this approach is effective in capturing
uncertainty, the heavy computational burden of running thousands of scenarios limits its
practical application for real-time or large system analysis.

3.2 Quantum Computing in Power Flow Analysis

Quantum computing offers unique advantages for stochastic analysis due to its ability to
process multiple states simultaneously using superposition. Instead of performing
separate power flow calculations for each scenario, quantum states can encode entire
probability distributions at once. Quantum gates can then process these states,
transforming input distributions (generation and load) into output distributions (line flows
and bus voltages). This parallelism significantly reduces computational time compared to
classical methods. Furthermore, Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods can estimate
statistical properties such as mean line flow or overload probability with fewer samples

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Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems
than classical Monte Carlo. This quadratic speedup in sampling is the core advantage that
makes SQPF highly efficient.

3.3 Framework of Stochastic Quantum Power Flow

The SQPF framework combines classical power system modeling with quantum
computation. It starts by encoding forecasted power injections, including their
uncertainty, into quantum states using a quantum register. Each bus with uncertain
generation or load is assigned a quantum state representing its probability distribution.
These quantum states are then processed using power flow equations implemented as a
quantum circuit. The Power Transfer Distribution Factor (PTDF) matrix, which relates
bus injections to line flows, is converted into a sequence of quantum gates using Singular
Value Decomposition (SVD). This allows the quantum circuit to transform bus injections
into line flows directly within the quantum system.

3.4 Risk Assessment using Quantum Amplitude Estimation

Once the line flow distribution is encoded in a quantum state, Quantum Amplitude
Estimation (QAE) is applied to extract key risk metrics. QAE allows efficient estimation
of important quantities like the mean line loading or the probability of overload, using
significantly fewer samples compared to classical Monte Carlo. This makes SQPF
especially valuable for scenarios requiring real-time decision-making, such as during
sudden changes in wind power output or unexpected load variations. By reducing sample
requirements, SQPF reduces the overall computation time while maintaining accuracy.

3.5 Current Challenges and Future Scope

While SQPF offers promising advantages, current quantum hardware still faces
limitations due to noise, limited qubit count, and restricted gate fidelity. Most existing
work, including the development of SQPF, relies on quantum simulators rather than real
quantum hardware. However, rapid advancements in quantum technology, including error
correction techniques, are expected to make real-world deployment feasible in the near
future. Future work will also focus on extending SQPF to handle AC power flow, which
is more accurate for modern power grids but also more complex to model using quantum
gates. By integrating SQPF into future power system control centers, operators will gain a
powerful tool to manage uncertainty, enhance reliability, and ensure the secure operation
of renewable-dominated grids.

Dept. of E&E, AIT 2024-2025

Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems

CHAPTER 4

QUANTUM COMPUTING FRAMEWORK AND ITS

IMPLEMENTATION IN STOCHASTIC POWER
FLOW
4.1 Overview of Quantum Computing in Power Systems

Fig: 4.1 Quantum Computing in Power Systems

The increasing uncertainty in modern power systems, caused by the large-scale

integration of renewable energy sources, requires advanced computational techniques for
reliable analysis and risk assessment. Traditional deterministic power flow analysis falls
short in capturing the variability of renewable generation, while classical stochastic
power flow methods using Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) suffer from heavy
computational burdens. This challenge has led to the exploration of Quantum Computing
(QC), which offers a revolutionary approach to power flow calculations by exploiting the
principles of superposition and entanglement to handle multiple scenarios simultaneously.
Quantum computers process information using qubits, which unlike classical bits, can
exist in multiple states at once. This property enables quantum computers to represent and
process entire probability distributions in a single computation. In the context of power
systems, this means encoding uncertain generation and load data directly into quantum
states, and performing power flow calculations using quantum circuits rather than
sequential classical simulations. This parallelism can significantly accelerate risk

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Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems
assessments, making Stochastic Quantum Power Flow (SQPF) a promising tool for future
grid operations.

4.2 Structure and Workflow of SQPF Framework

The proposed SQPF framework integrates classical power system modeling with
quantum computation. The workflow consists of three main steps:
Quantum State Encoding:
Uncertain inputs such as wind power generation and varying loads are encoded into
quantum registers. Each bus with uncertain injections is assigned a quantum register that
holds the entire probability distribution of that bus’s power injection.
Quantum Power Flow Calculation:
The encoded power injections are processed using a Power Transfer Distribution Factor
(PTDF) matrix, which relates bus injections to line flows. This PTDF matrix is adapted
into quantum circuits using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) to ensure compatibility
with the limited gate sets available in quantum hardware. The quantum circuit transforms
the input quantum states into output states representing line flow distributions.
Quantum Amplitude Estimation (QAE):
After the line flow distributions are encoded in quantum states, Quantum Amplitude
Estimation is used to calculate key risk metrics such as the probability of line overload or
the expected line loading. This process achieves the same statistical accuracy as classical
Monte Carlo, but with significantly fewer samples — leading to faster computations.
These steps collectively enable a quantum-enhanced risk assessment process that is much
faster and more scalable compared to traditional Monte Carlo-based stochastic power
flow analysis.

Fig: 4.2 Quantum Power Flow Framework

4.3 Personal Insights and Quantum Circuit Example

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Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems
While studying and understanding the SQPF framework, it became evident that the most
critical aspect of this approach is the conversion of classical power flow equations into
quantum-compatible operations. This requires careful reformulation of power flow
equations into linear transformations that can be executed using quantum gates. Below is
a simplified conceptual flow of how the quantum circuit works to compute line flows
based on stochastic bus injections:

Step 1: Encode Bus Injection Probability Distribution into Quantum State

encode_bus_injections(bus_data):
qubits = allocate_qubits(len(bus_data))
for i, distribution in enumerate(bus_data):
apply_rotation_gates(qubits[i], distribution)
Step 2: Apply Power Transfer Distribution Factor Matrix (PTDF) as Quantum Gates
apply_PTDF_matrix(qubits):
unitary_matrix = decompose_PTDF_to_unitary(PTDF_matrix)
apply_unitary_gate(qubits, unitary_matrix)
Step 3: Use Quantum Amplitude Estimation to Extract Risk Metrics
estimate_line_overload_probability(qubits):
target_state = define_overload_state(threshold=90%)
probability = QuantumAmplitudeEstimation(qubits, target_state)
return probability
Full SQPF Workflow
bus_data = load_forecasted_power_data()
qubits = encode_bus_injections(bus_data)
apply_PTDF_matrix(qubits)
risk_probability = estimate_line_overload_probability(qubits)
print(f"Estimated Overload Probability: {risk_probability:.2f}")

This simplified pseudo-code highlights the core quantum operations involved in SQPF:
• Encoding uncertain inputs into quantum registers
• Transforming inputs to outputs using quantum gates derived from power flow equations

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Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems
• Efficiently extracting risk metrics using Quantum Amplitude Estimation
Through this research, it became clear that SQPF not only reduces computational effort
but also provides a structured way to embed uncertainty directly into power flow analysis.
This fundamentally shifts the approach from scenario-based analysis to probability
distribution-based computation, which is far more suited to the needs of renewable-heavy
future grids.

Fig: 4.3 Sample Quantum Circuit for SQPF

As quantum hardware continues to improve, especially with enhanced qubit counts and
lower noise levels, the practical implementation of SQPF will become increasingly
feasible. This research reinforces that future power system automation will not only rely
on traditional numerical methods but will also integrate quantum algorithms to manage
uncertainty, optimize grid performance, and enhance resilience against unpredictable
events. This seamless merging of classical and quantum techniques is expected to define
the next generation of power system analysis tools, making SQPF a pioneering step
toward quantum-powered energy management systems.

Dept. of E&E, AIT 2024-2025

Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems

CHAPTER 5

EXPERIMENTAL FRAMEWORK AND ANALYSIS

In the paper, the authors present a comprehensive experimental framework designed to

evaluate the feasibility and performance of Stochastic Quantum Power Flow (SQPF)
using simulated quantum computers. Although I did not personally conduct these
experiments, I will summarize their methodology and key findings to provide context for
my seminar presentation.
The authors developed the framework using the IBM Qiskit platform, a widely used
quantum computing development environment. The entire SQPF process — from
encoding uncertain generation and load data into quantum states, to performing power
flow calculations using quantum gates, and finally estimating risk metrics using Quantum
Amplitude Estimation (QAE) — was implemented as a quantum circuit. To validate the
framework, two test systems were used: a 3-bus system and a 5-bus system. These
smaller networks were chosen because they fit within the qubit and gate-depth limitations
of current quantum hardware, particularly Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ)
devices.

Fig: 5.1 3-Bus Test System for Quantum Simulation

In the experimental setup, uncertain power injections at each bus were represented as
probability distributions and encoded into quantum registers. A simplified DC power flow
model was used to relate these injections to line flows via the Power Transfer Distribution
Factor (PTDF) matrix. The PTDF matrix was decomposed into unitary matrices using
Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) to make it compatible with the quantum circuit
structure. This quantum circuit was then executed using both ideal quantum simulators
(noise-free) and real IBM quantum hardware to observe differences in performance.

Dept. of E&E, AIT 2024-2025

Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems
To assess the accuracy and efficiency of the quantum approach, the authors compared the
results of SQPF with those obtained using traditional classical Monte Carlo Simulation
(MCS). Both methods were used to estimate two key risk metrics:
Mean Line Loading (MLL), which indicates average utilization of transmission lines.
Probability of Line Overload, representing the risk of exceeding safe thermal limits on
transmission lines.

Fig: 5.2 Stochastic Power Flow Calculation Process Based on MCS

The results demonstrated that the quantum approach significantly reduces the required
sample size compared to classical MCS. Specifically, Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC)
achieved the same accuracy with approximately 10 times fewer samples. This confirms
the theoretical quadratic speedup expected from quantum amplitude estimation
techniques. However, when running the same circuits on real quantum hardware, results
were affected by noise and hardware imperfections, highlighting the current limitations of
NISQ devices. Despite these challenges, the successful validation on simulators provides
strong evidence that the SQPF framework will become highly practical as quantum
hardware matures.
Further analysis showed that circuit depth is a critical factor affecting SQPF performance.
For the 3-bus system, the full circuit had a depth of 863 gates, while the 5-bus system

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Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems
required over 264,000 gates — too complex for current hardware to execute reliably. To
address this, future work could explore circuit optimization techniques such as quantum
Shannon decomposition or hybrid classical-quantum approaches, where only the most
computationally expensive steps are handled by the quantum processor.
Overall, the experimental results highlighted both the promise and challenges of applying
quantum computing to power system risk assessment. While current hardware limits
prevent immediate real-world deployment, the framework successfully demonstrates that
Stochastic Quantum Power Flow can outperform classical methods in terms of sample
efficiency, potentially making real-time risk assessment feasible for large power grids in
the future. As quantum technology progresses, SQPF could become a key tool for
managing uncertainty in renewable-rich grids, enhancing both operational reliability and
long-term planning.

Dept. of E&E, AIT 2024-2025

Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems

CHAPTER 6

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Advantages:
 Significant reduction in computational time due to Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC),
which requires fewer samples than classical Monte Carlo methods for the same
accuracy.
 Efficient handling of uncertainty in power systems, enabling real-time risk
assessment in grids with high renewable energy penetration.
 Quantum computing’s ability to process multiple scenarios simultaneously
enhances the speed and accuracy of stochastic power flow analysis.
 Scalable framework that can be applied to larger systems as quantum hardware
improves, allowing future expansion to complex networks.
 By encoding uncertainty directly into quantum states, the entire range of operating
conditions is captured within a single quantum circuit execution.
 Integration with classical power flow methods ensures compatibility with existing
grid analysis tools, making SQPF adaptable to current operational workflows.
 Provides a foundation for future research, combining quantum computing with
advanced optimization, state estimation, and reliability assessment in smart grids.

Disadvantages:
 Current quantum hardware limitations, such as qubit noise, limited coherence
time, and restricted gate fidelity, make practical implementation challenging.
 High circuit depth requirements for larger power systems exceed the capabilities
of present-day quantum computers, limiting the size of networks that can be
analyzed.
 Hybrid classical-quantum integration complexity increases, requiring specialized
expertise in both power system engineering and quantum programming.
 Development of quantum circuits for power flow analysis requires significant
mathematical reformulation, increasing initial implementation time.
 Cost of quantum hardware and access to reliable quantum computing
infrastructure can be prohibitively high for many power utilities.
 Algorithmic optimization and error correction are still active research areas,
meaning SQPF performance can vary significantly depending on hardware
advancements and new algorithmic developments.

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Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems

CHAPTER 7

APPLICATIONS
The application of Stochastic Quantum Power Flow (SQPF) extends beyond theoretical
advancements, offering practical benefits in power system risk assessment, real-time
monitoring, and grid optimization. As power systems become increasingly complex due
to the integration of renewable energy sources, efficient and scalable computational
techniques like SQPF play a crucial role in ensuring grid stability and reliability.
Real-World Implementations
 Renewable Energy Grid Integration: SQPF enables power system operators to
better manage uncertainties in wind and solar power generation by providing
rapid risk assessments, reducing the chances of voltage instability and unexpected
line overloads.
 Real-Time Power System Monitoring: By leveraging quantum computing's ability
to process multiple scenarios simultaneously, SQPF allows faster detection of
potential system violations, enabling timely corrective actions.
 Optimized Grid Operations: Traditional Monte Carlo simulations require
extensive computational resources, making them impractical for real-time
applications. SQPF’s quantum-enhanced sampling significantly reduces
computational burdens, making power flow analysis more efficient.
 Power System Reliability Assessment: Grid operators can use SQPF to evaluate
the probability of line failures, transformer overloads, and cascading faults,
ensuring a more proactive approach to grid management.
Emerging Trends and Future Prospects
 Hybrid Classical-Quantum Approaches: As quantum computing continues to
develop, hybrid techniques that combine classical power flow methods with
quantum optimization are expected to enhance grid analysis capabilities.
 Smart Grid Optimization: Future smart grids will integrate SQPF to analyze
demand fluctuations, storage capacities, and distributed energy resources,
allowing for more efficient and resilient grid operation.
 Quantum-Assisted Energy Market Forecasting: SQPF can be extended to improve
forecasting techniques in energy markets by analyzing stochastic demand-supply
variations more accurately, optimizing economic dispatch decisions.
 Scalability to Large Power Networks: While current quantum hardware is limited,
advancements in fault-tolerant quantum computing will enable SQPF to be
applied to large-scale power grids, making real-time risk assessment feasible for
complex networks.

Dept. of E&E, AIT 2024-2025

Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems

CHAPTER 8

CONCLUSION
With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources in modern power systems,
the need for accurate and efficient risk assessment methods has become more critical than
ever. Traditional deterministic power flow methods are insufficient to capture the
uncertainty introduced by variable renewable generation, while classical stochastic power
flow techniques using Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) suffer from excessive
computational burdens. This seminar explored Stochastic Quantum Power Flow (SQPF)
as a novel and efficient approach to handling uncertainty in power system operations
using the power of quantum computing.

The study highlights that SQPF leverages quantum superposition to represent multiple
scenarios simultaneously and applies Quantum Amplitude Estimation (QAE) to
efficiently extract risk metrics like line overload probabilities. Compared to conventional
MCS, SQPF achieves the same accuracy with significantly fewer samples, making it
computationally more efficient. The integration of quantum computing into power system
analysis not only accelerates the process but also opens new possibilities for real-time
risk monitoring and decision-making in renewable-rich power grids.

The analysis also emphasizes that while current quantum hardware imposes limitations
such as noise, limited qubit counts, and gate errors, the SQPF framework serves as an
important proof of concept for future quantum-enhanced power system tools. As quantum
hardware advances, this technique can be scaled up for larger networks, enabling faster
and more reliable risk assessments.

In conclusion, Stochastic Quantum Power Flow represents a significant step forward in

the evolution of power system analysis. It combines the latest advancements in quantum
computing with the practical requirements of grid operators, offering a powerful tool to
ensure grid reliability in the face of increasing uncertainty. With continuous
improvements in quantum technology, SQPF could become a standard part of power
system planning, operation, and reliability assessment, contributing to the development of
smarter, more resilient, and future-ready power grids.

Dept. of E&E, AIT 2024-2025

Stochastic Quantum Power Flow for Risk Assessment in Power Systems

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Dept. of E&E, AIT 2024-2025