Abstract: Quantum computing and its inspired algorithms have developed rapidly in recent years，and have become the hot
spot in optimization and artificial intelligence fields. With the clean and intelligent development of China's electric power
industry，quantum computing has gradually been being applied in the optimization control on thermal power units and has
obtained certain achievements.Starting by a brief introduction to quantum computing basic theory，the progress of quantum-
inspired algorithm in optimization control on thermal power units is expounded in details. The opportunities and challenges
of quantum computing in this field is analyzed from multiple aspects including the quantum swarm intelligence optimization
algorithm，the quantum genetic algorithm and machine learning algorithm. At last，the prospects of quantum computing in
the optimization control on thermal power units are summarized.

Key words: quantum computing, quantum-inspired algorithm, thermal power plant, optimization control on units,
intelligence algorithm, AI