Europe’s Quantum Leap - but little concern for sustainability

On July 2, 2025, the European Commission launched its long-awaited European Quantum Strategy, outlining the continent’s ambitions to lead the next wave of technological innovation. The strategy sets bold goals: quantum excellence by 2030, homegrown supply chains, secure communication networks, and global competitiveness. But as the EU prepares to invest heavily in quantum infrastructure and talent, one major question remains: where is the sustainability plan?

Quantum technologies are often portrayed as inherently greener. They are capable of vastly more efficient computing, faster simulations for climate modeling, or smarter energy grid optimization. Indeed, the European strategy includes examples like Jülich’s HPCQS project, which integrates quantum simulators with high-performance computers to reduce energy use in data-intensive simulations. There’s real potential here. But beyond a few optimistic case studies, the strategy is strikingly thin on measurable sustainability commitments.

What’s missing is a concrete framework. Nowhere in the current strategy is there a dedicated section on environmental sustainability or a clear roadmap to ensure that quantum development aligns with Europe’s broader Green Deal objectives. There’s no mention of binding emissions standards, lifecycle carbon accounting, or eco-design principles for quantum hardware and infrastructure. As with many emerging technologies, there’s a danger that “sustainability” is treated as a buzzword rather than a benchmark.

There are encouraging signs, to be fair. The EU is investing in hybrid quantum-HPC systems that can, in theory, reduce energy consumption. Quantum sensing and simulation are being explored for climate science, sustainable agriculture, and materials research. The strategy emphasises “technological sovereignty,” which could lead to more regional, resource-efficient production—particularly under initiatives like the Chips Act, Qu-Pilot, and Qu-Test. But these elements remain scattered, uncoordinated, and lack environmental metrics.

The forthcoming European Quantum Act is expected to set the legal and funding foundation for Europe’s quantum ecosystem and will offer an important opportunity to change this. Sustainability needs to be written into the DNA of Europe’s quantum future, not bolted on later as an afterthought. The Act should require publicly funded quantum projects to consider lifecycle assessments, from raw materials sourcing to end-of-life disposal. It should include incentives for low-energy design and obligations for transparent carbon reporting. And it must align with parallel EU legislation, such as the Critical Raw Materials Act and the forthcoming Net-Zero Industry Act.

There is also a social dimension to sustainability that deserves greater attention. The current strategy makes only passing reference to inclusivity, responsibility, and ethical governance. If Europe is serious about building a quantum sector that serves society, and not just markets, it must do more to include ethical frameworks and public engagement. The workforce initiatives set out in the strategy are a good start, but without a clear emphasis on environmental literacy and social responsibility, they risk training brilliant minds in a moral vacuum.

In the race for quantum leadership, Europe has a chance to define not just how fast we move, but in what direction. The European Quantum Strategy is ambitious and broadly welcome, but it should also integrate the sustainability principles that underpin Europe’s identity as a global leader in responsible innovation. Without more detailed guidance, coupled with commitments in the Quantum Act, there’s a real risk that the quantum revolution becomes just another high-tech boom, with all the environmental and social costs that come with it.

Now is the time to ask the difficult questions. How will quantum systems be powered? What is their true energy footprint? How are the critical materials being sourced? Who benefits from the applications being developed—and who is left out? The EU still has time to make its strategy not only bold, but sustainable. But it will require more than good intentions—it will require policy, regulation, and accountability.