Quantum Error Correction in Green Communications: Towards Sustainable Quantum Networks

Abstract

This work explores the integration of Quantum Error Correction (QEC) techniques within energy-efficient green communication networks, emphasizing their pivotal role in achieving sustainability in next-generation Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems. Quantum technologies, particularly error correction protocols like surface codes are indispensable for reliable quantum information processing. However, their implementation often incurs substantial energy overhead due to the extensive physical qubit resources required. This research proposes a framework for adapting scalable QEC algorithms, leveraging innovations such as reconfigurable atom arrays, to optimize energy consumption while preserving high fidelity in quantum operations. Surface codes, a cornerstone of QEC, encode logical qubits in two-dimensional lattices of physical qubits, utilizing stabilizer measurements to detect and correct bit-flip and phase-flip errors. The performance of surface codes is influenced by critical parameters such as code distance, which determines fault tolerance, and gate fidelity, which impacts logical error rates. Through a comprehensive analysis of these parameters, this work evaluates the interplay between code distance, qubit array size, and gate fidelity to highlight their collective impact on fault tolerance and computational accuracy. These insights align with global efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of emerging quantum technologies, advancing the principles of green ICT and environmentally conscious innovation. © 2025 IEEE.