Dutch lead Europe’s secure quantum network push

The Netherlands is playing a key role in developing a secure, quantum-based communication network that spans the European continent. The Netherlands is establishing quantum links with Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, leveraging both satellite and fiber-optic connections. This effort is part of the broader EuroQCI initiative to build a quantum-secured infrastructure for the EU's governmental institutions, data centers, and critical infrastructure.

The Netherlands is establishing quantum links with Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, leveraging both satellite and fiber-optic connections. This effort is part of the broader EuroQCI initiative to build a quantum-secured infrastructure for the EU's governmental institutions, data centers, and critical infrastructure. The Netherlands Institute for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) is at the forefront of this initiative, rolling out one of Europe's first cross-border quantum networks that utilizes both fiber-optic and satellite connections. This multifaceted approach ensures robust and versatile quantum communication channels.

Establishing a quantum network

A key element of this network is the new optical ground station in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, which is slated to receive quantum signals from the Eagle-1 satellite. This ground station will serve as one of the primary nodes for quantum communication via space, creating secure encryption keys. Furthermore, it will function as a field lab, uniting end-user organizations and Dutch companies specializing in quantum, photonics, and space technologies.

Ferdinand Griesdoorn, Coordinating Policy Officer for the Quantum Safe Program of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of security in the current international landscape. The Dutch intelligence agency, AIVD, supports the SEEWQCI research, recognizing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) as a promising technology for secure data communications. The EuroQCI initiative, in which SEEWQCI plays a crucial role, involves all 27 EU Member States and the European Space Agency (ESA), working together to design, develop, and deploy a secure quantum communication infrastructure across the EU, including its overseas territories.

EuroQCI's broader vision

The EuroQCI will integrate into the EU's new space-based secure communication system, IRIS², enhancing the protection of governmental institutions, data centers, hospitals, energy grids, and other critical infrastructure. Launched in 2019, the EuroQCI utilizes quantum communication technologies developed through EU-funded projects like the Quantum Technologies Flagship and the Horizon 2020 OPENQKD. The initiative's first implementation phase, which commenced in January 2023, focuses on industrial and national projects aimed at establishing national quantum communication networks.