BRICS Puts Quantum Technologies at the Centre of Energy Security

At the inaugural BRICS Quantum Technologies Forum in Moscow – officials, scientists and industry leaders highlighted the growing role of quantum computing, sensing and communications in energy systems, nuclear operations and industrial competitiveness.

The event, co-organised by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Rosatom, signals a shift in how BRICS countries view advanced technologies. Quantum innovation is no longer seen as purely experimental. It is increasingly being positioned as a strategic tool for economic growth, energy security and industrial development.

Quantum technologies move from research to industry

The forum brought together government representatives, researchers and industry specialists from across the BRICS bloc. Discussions focused on research collaboration, skills development and practical industrial applications.

Speaking at the event, Alexey Likhachev called for quantum technologies to become a permanent part of the BRICS agenda. He argued that closer cooperation could strengthen the bloc’s competitiveness by combining expertise, research capabilities and investment resources.

Likhachev also highlighted Russia’s progress under its national quantum roadmap. According to Rosatom, the programme has already delivered several quantum processors, dozens of quantum algorithms and a growing portfolio of projects in computing, sensing and secure communications.

For investors, the significance lies in the shift from laboratory research to industrial deployment. Quantum technologies are increasingly being linked to critical infrastructure, energy systems and advanced manufacturing rather than remaining confined to academic research.

Nuclear energy becomes a key use case

The strongest signal from the forum came from the BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform, whose members identified quantum technologies as strategically important for the future of nuclear power and wider energy security.

Participants highlighted the potential of quantum computing to improve modelling, optimisation and operational efficiency within nuclear facilities. Quantum sensing technologies could also enhance measurement and monitoring capabilities in complex industrial environments, while quantum communications may strengthen cybersecurity and data protection.

These applications remain at an early stage. However, they illustrate how quantum technologies could eventually improve the performance, reliability and safety of critical energy infrastructure.

The discussion also reflects a broader trend within BRICS. Member countries are increasingly exploring cooperation not only in traditional energy sectors but also in advanced technologies that could shape future industrial competitiveness.

Building a shared technology ecosystem

Beyond individual projects, the forum highlighted a larger ambition: creating a shared technology ecosystem across BRICS economies.

Russia is positioning itself as a provider of quantum expertise and research capabilities. Other members are being encouraged to contribute specialised knowledge, research capacity and talent development programmes. The objective is to build a collaborative framework that can accelerate innovation while reducing dependence on external technology providers.

In the near term, opportunities are likely to emerge in research partnerships, university collaboration, specialist training and pilot projects. Over the longer term, successful commercial deployment could support more efficient power systems, stronger industrial processes and improved energy security across the bloc.

For investors, the key question is whether these discussions evolve into concrete programmes and commercial applications. Follow-up agreements, research funding initiatives, skills-development programmes and pilot deployments will provide the clearest indication of how quickly BRICS intends to move from strategy to implementation.

If momentum continues, quantum technologies could become an increasingly important component of the bloc’s broader energy and industrial agenda over the coming decade.

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