Powering the Future: How ComEd’s Partnership Sparked the Illinois Quantum Campus

Last July, Ill. Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a transformative project that has the tech and energy world buzzing: the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). Anchored on a former steel mill site, the IQMP is set to become the nation’s first home to a utility-scale quantum computer – a leap that could make Illinois the “Silicon Valley of Quantum.”

But for all the headlines about cutting-edge science and next-generation computing, there’s a lesson behind the news that deserves just as much attention: the story of partnership and the essential role ComEd played in making this landmark project a reality.

The Quantum Leap: Why This Matters

For those new to the field, quantum computing promises to revolutionize industries from medicine to energy by solving problems beyond the reach of today’s most powerful supercomputers. The IQMP, led by the University of Illinois and anchored by California-based pioneer PsiQuantum, aims to turn this promise into reality with the nation’s first utility-scale quantum computer – one capable of tackling the world’s hardest challenges at unprecedented speed.

But such breakthroughs don’t happen in isolation. They require vision, commitment, and – most importantly – collaboration across sectors and institutions.

ComEd: The Power Behind the Project

When it came time for PsiQuantum to choose a home for this ambitious endeavor, the company faced a landscape of fierce competition. Nearly 15 states were in the running, each eager to attract the jobs, investment and prestige that come with such a project. So why Illinois?

PsiQuantum answered that question during a recent interview with Bloomberg TV.

“Early in our interactions with the city and the state, a big delegation came to us in Silicon Valley, led by the deputy governor. And… ComEd, the power utility, came to that very first meeting,” said Jeremy O’Brien, PsiQuantum’s CEO and Founder. “That’s a big differentiator for us [for the ecosystem] to understand that we need to get power to the site... that’s a really big part of our decision.”

That demonstration of leadership – ComEd showing up at the table from day one – set the tone for everything that followed. As Exelon’s President and CEO Calvin Butler told investors on our most recent earnings call, “But for ComEd engaging in that process, it [IQMP] wouldn’t have come to Illinois. That’s very significant, and it goes into that partnership.”

From Vision to Action

ComEd’s involvement wasn’t just symbolic. Beginning in late 2023, ComEd worked shoulder to shoulder with state and local leaders to show that Illinois had the infrastructure, expertise and commitment needed to make the IQMP a reality. ComEd’s Economic Development team advised on potential sites, provided critical insights on power availability and timelines, and developed collaborative solutions to meet PsiQuantum’s unique requirements.

As the project evolved, so too did the technical challenges. The demands of powering a utility-scale quantum campus are immense – estimated at approximately 350 megawatts, enough to support not only PsiQuantum but also shared facilities like a state-of-the-art cryogenic plant and, eventually, other cutting-edge companies drawn to the site.

Meeting these needs required out-of-the-box thinking. When PsiQuantum decided to accelerate the development of a prototype quantum computer at the IQMP, ComEd responded by repurposing retired transmission infrastructure, enabling rapid delivery of up to 100 megawatts – far more than traditional distribution lines would allow and at a pace that matched the project’s ambitions. By leveraging equipment from other projects and rebuilding critical transmission paths, ComEd maximized available state funds for site readiness and ensured that the IQMP could hit the ground running.

Looking Ahead: The Power of Partnership

For ComEd and Exelon, this project is more than a single win. It’s a validation of our approach: understanding that the energy transformation won’t happen because of one single entity; we need collaboration to be successful. Whether it’s enabling innovation, supporting economic development, or delivering on our promise of affordable, reliable, and resilient energy, we know that the best results come when we work together with our customers, our communities, and all levels of government.

Already, the IQMP is attracting interest from other companies eager to be part of the quantum revolution – proof that success breeds success. And as the park grows, so too will the opportunities for Illinois, for ComEd and Exelon, and for every customer who stands to benefit from a more innovative and resilient energy future.