A Carbon-Aware Quantum Computing Framework for LCA-Driven Sustainability in Quantum Cloud Services

2026-09-21

AI Summary

本文通过生命周期评估方法，提出了一种碳感知量子计算框架，以指导量子云服务提供商减少环境足迹。

Abstract

Quantum computing's environmental footprint remains poorly understood relative to classical infrastructure, and as quantum computing moves toward cloud delivery, Quantum Cloud Service (QCS) providers lack actionable guidance beyond platform-level carbon-accounting frameworks. Objective: This study extends the carbon-aware quantum computing (CQC) framework from a platform-level to a service-level model that translates empirical life cycle assessment (LCA) findings of a superconducting quantum computer into guidance for QCS providers. Method: We modeled the CQC framework via service-level embodied-carbon allocation, load-independent and load-proportional operational decomposition, and a workload-resolved application offset on the basis of results acquired through a cradle-to-grave LCA of a superconducting quantum platform. Results: The five-year footprint is 583 t CO2e (GKP) and 10,570 t (surface-code), dominated by embodied carbon (77.3-85.2%), with operational-embodied parity not reached until 17.0-28.7 years versus 2.7 years for classical comparators. This reorders provider levers: utilisation yields the largest gain (19.7x), followed by service life extension (59.9%) and electricity supply (6.5x), while operational efficiency and renewable procurement offer limited leverage. Conclusion: Superconducting quantum computers are structurally embodied-carbon-dominated, inverting classical sustainability intuition and motivating direct power measurement and cross-architecture validation as quantum infrastructure scales.

Problem

• Quantum Computing
• Carbon Footprint
• Sustainability
• Cloud Services
• Life Cycle Assessment

Innovation

• carbon-aware quantum computing
• service-level model
• embodied carbon
• superconducting quantum computer
• quantum cloud services