Potential of Quantum Computing Applications for Smart Grid Digital Twins and Future Directions

The convergence of digital twin technology and quantum computing is opening new horizons for the modeling, control, and optimization of smart grid systems. This paper reviews the current research landscape at the intersection of these fields, with a focus on how quantum algorithms can enhance the performance of digital twins in smart energy systems. We conduct a thematic literature review and identify key research trends, technical challenges, and gaps in real-world adoption. Further, a conceptual framework is proposed to integrate quantum modules into classical digital twin architectures. The potential benefits of this hybrid approach for smart grid operation and future research directions are also discussed.