Elewit, Redeia’s technology platform, and TECNALIA, Spain’s largest private centre for applied research and technological development, have conducted a second QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) proof of concept. The trial successfully established an optical fibre communication link spanning approximately 50 kilometres in an industrial environment, connecting two electrical sub-stations located between the municipalities of Itsaso (Gipuzkoa) and Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava).

By conducting a comprehensive suite of environmental, communication, application and power grid tests - alongside experiments regarding protection against potential cyberattacks - the project has proven that the link distance and surrounding conditions did not impact the QKD equipment. The trials further confirmed the feasibility of incorporating passive devices (which do not require an external power source) while also assessing the system’s sensitivity to the electromagnetic interference typically found in industrial environments.

Both organisations, which have been cooperating since 2023, also benefit from the collaboration of Reintel (Redeia’s subsidiary responsible for operating the optical fibre network). By leveraging Reintel's facilities and dark fibre, they are researching QKD techniques to embrace the new quantum transition and explore comprehensive cyber-protection for smart grids. Specifically, this proof of concept follows a previous trial conducted three years ago, which successfully established an optical fibre communication link of approximately one kilometre. 

Elena de Benavides, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer at Elewit, stated: 'Our goal is to leverage the full potential of this technology to safeguard power grids against cyberattacks. The experiments conducted with quantum technology pave the way for an even more secure communication infrastructure, designed to protect both the economy and society from cyber threats.'

Alejandra Ruiz, Director of QKD Smart Grid experiments at TECNALIA, noted: 'Our portable QKDLab is a pivotal tool for conducting field-based experimental research aimed at enhancing the protection of industrial and critical infrastructure, such as industrial OT systems, smart grids and inter-infrastructure communication networks, among many others.'

The relevance of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a technology that enables the ultra-secure sharing of encryption keys, leveraging the laws of quantum physics and the properties of light (photons). The primary advantage of this technology is that it ensures both parties share a common encryption key while providing total certainty that it has not been compromised by any third party.

With power grids becoming increasingly digital and interconnected, the risk of cyber attacks continues to grow. In this context, QKD is positioning itself as an essential tool for securing critical communications. Indeed, it represents a significant step towards future-proofing cybersecurity against both current and emerging threats.

This laboratory and its associated capabilities were developed through projects supported by the Basque Government’s ELKARTEK and AZPITEK programmes. Further funding was provided via the Quantum Communication Complementary Plan, also financed by the Basque Government as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, alongside the European Union via the Next Generation EU programme.

About Elewit

Elewit was founded in 2019 as Redeia’s technology platform. Its purpose is to catalyse internal innovation both across the Group and its subsidiaries: Red Eléctrica, Reintel and Redinter. Elewit aims to offer solutions to new challenges in the electricity and telecommunications sectors. Our goal is: promote energy transition and connectivity to create a sustainable future. https://elewit.ventures/

About TECNALIA

As the largest applied research and technological development centre in Spain, TECNALIA is a European leader and a key member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance. TECNALIA collaborates with companies and institutions to enhance their competitiveness and improve people’s quality of life, while driving sustainable growth. Supported by a dedicated team of over 1,500 experts committed to building a better world through technological research and innovation, the centre focuses on several key fields: smart manufacturing, digital transformation, the energy transition, sustainable mobility, health and nutrition, urban ecosystems and the circular economy.

TECNALIA’s mission is to transform technological research into prosperity. Its vision is to shape the future as a primary driver of transformation, helping companies and society stay ahead of the challenges in a rapidly evolving world.  Consequently, TECNALIA’s research has a tangible impact on society, delivering benefits in terms of improved quality of life and continued progress. According to the latest brand awareness and positioning study conducted by European Research Survey (ERS) in 2025, TECNALIA ranked first for brand awareness in R&D and Innovation. www.tecnalia.com