The Energy, Power, Sustainability & Intelligence (EPSi) group at Florida International University is advancing quantum-ready research for power and energy systems. Building on established strengths in smart grids, microgrids, renewable integration, energy storage, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and operational technology, EPSi is developing practical approaches that connect emerging quantum technologies with the reliability, resilience and security requirements of critical infrastructure.

Quantum Leadership and External Engagement

Dr. Arif Sarwat represented Florida International University as a featured speaker and panelist at D-Wave Qubits26. He participated in “The Sunshine State’s Quantum Adventures,” a panel discussion highlighting quantum investment and research in Florida. His participation placed FIU alongside leaders from universities, government, national laboratories and the quantum-computing industry, while strengthening EPSi’s visibility in the broader quantum ecosystem.

Dr. Arif Sarwat at the D-Wave Qubits26 panel, “The Sunshine State’s Quantum Adventures.”

Current Quantum-Focused Initiatives

DOE Collaborative Project: Post-Quantum Secure Smart Grid

Advancing post-quantum security strategies for smart-grid communications, data exchange, control functions and cyber-physical energy infrastructure.

DOE Collaborative Project: Post-Quantum Zero Trust for OT Systems

Exploring the convergence of post-quantum security and zero-trust principles for operational technology, identity and access management, and secure IT/OT environments.

NextEra Collaboration: Quantum Federated Learning for Edge AI and IT/OT

Investigating distributed intelligence and quantum-enabled federated-learning approaches for Edge AI and integrated information-technology and operational-technology environments.

Research Areas

  • Quantum computing for power systems, microgrids, distributed energy resources and energy storage.
  • Quantum cryptography and post-quantum cryptography for secure energy networks.
  • Shor’s algorithm threat analysis, crypto-agility and post-quantum migration for grid, microgrid and DER communications.
  • Quantum-resilient authentication, identity, access control and zero-trust architectures for operational technology.
  • Quantum federated learning, Edge AI and privacy-aware distributed intelligence across integrated IT/OT environments.
  • Quantum-enhanced optimization and decision support for resilient energy-system operation and critical infrastructure.

Publications and Research in Progress

Published Foundation

  • “A Review on Quantum Computing Approach for Next-Generation Energy Storage Solution,” A. Khalid, S. Tufail and A. I. Sarwat, SoutheastCon 2021, pp. 1–7.

Active and Emerging Research Directions

  • Shor’s algorithm and the exposure of legacy public-key cryptography in grid and microgrid communications.
  • Crypto-agility and migration pathways for post-quantum protection of distributed energy resources and critical-infrastructure communications.
  • Quantum cryptography and post-quantum cybersecurity for secure energy data exchange.
  • Quantum-safe zero-trust architectures for operational technology and integrated IT/OT systems.
  • Quantum federated learning and quantum-enabled intelligence for distributed energy and edge-computing applications.

Vision

EPSi seeks to position FIU and South Florida as nationally visible contributors to quantum-ready energy innovation. Through interdisciplinary research, federal and industry collaboration, workforce development and validation in utility-relevant research environments, EPSi is building pathways from today’s power infrastructure to secure, resilient and intelligent quantum-era energy systems.

Collaborate with EPSi

EPSi welcomes collaboration with government agencies, utilities, technology companies, national laboratories, researchers and students working at the intersection of quantum technologies, power and energy systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure.

Contact

Dr. Arif Sarwat
Distinguished University Professor and Chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Director, FPL-FIU Solar Research Facility and Energy, Power, Sustainability & Intelligence (EPSi)
Email: asarwat@fiu.edu

Official D-Wave references:
Dr. Arif Sarwat speaker profile |
Qubits26 speaker directory