Quantum Key Distribution in Power System Communication

As service networks pass in the direction of distributed structures, microgrids are becoming increasingly important to improve both resistance and energy efficiency. However, reliance on digital communication also depends on a considerable number of cyber threats. Unauthorized access attempts can be detected through increased Quantum Bit Error Rates (QBER). Additionally, it also improves major reliability by including error correction techniques such as low density (LDPC) parity testing and Reed-Solomon codes. The results show that quantum key distribution (QKD) greatly enhances security by blocking unauthorized access, while also ensuring encryption suitable for low latency real-time microgroup management. We introduce a quantum key distribution -based security framework tailored for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), and critical infrastructure. Our evaluation uses simulations to analyze Quantum Bit Error Rates across various noise and eavesdropping scenarios, examining their impact on encryption latency and overall system integrity. These findings underscore the viability of quantum key distribution for next-generation power grids, offering robust protection against emerging quantum cyber threats. This study provides a foundation for seamlessly integrating quantum key distribution into energy systems, advancing toward quantum-resilient microgrid communication.