# Quantum Teams Tackle Energy Scheduling with Hybrid Approach
JIJ Inc. and ORCA Computing have released findings showing that combining quantum and classical computing could soon solve real-world energy optimization problems. The collaboration, involving bp and the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre, focused on the Unit Commitment Problem—the intricate task of scheduling power plants to meet demand cost-effectively while maintaining grid reliability and limiting emissions.
The study applied JIJ’s optimization software to ORCA Computing’s photonic quantum hardware (which uses light particles instead of traditional quantum bits). Rather than relying on simplified test cases, researchers used actual industrial datasets, marking a significant step toward practical quantum applications beyond laboratory demonstrations.
The project strengthens UK-Japan quantum cooperation and exemplifies responsible innovation by transparently separating current results from future projections while acknowledging both quantum computing’s potential and current limitations.
[Read the full report at The Quantum Insider](https://thequantuminsider.com/2026/06/11/jij-and-orca-computing-report-on-path-to-commercial-quantum-advantage-in-energy-optimization/)