INDUSTRY COMMENT


WHY CYBERSECURE CONNECTIVITY IS CRITICAL TO ENERGY SECURITY


by Iain Davidson, senior product manager, Wireless Logic


Energy generation, storage and usage is entering a new era of intelligent, connected systems. Robust IoT connectivity supports this direction, providing feedback on consumption patterns and supporting predictive modelling. Throughout, cybersecurity must be the highest


priority, given the criticality of energy infrastructure and the damage that cyberattacks can do. Connected energy solutions exchange high value data; disruption from an attack could be far- reaching and threaten the smooth running of energy services. This makes companies vulnerable to attacks which could cause revenue loss and reputational damage. So much so, that the UK’s energy sector is among the top targets for cybercriminals according to IBM Security, attracting 16% of all attacks. IoT connectivity providers, device manufacturers


and energy companies must therefore ensure devices can be authenticated, and connections can be secured, as solutions are deployed. Energy security continues to be a hot topic and


for good reasons, not least market price volatility. The spotlight is on self-reliant, renewable energy systems and smart infrastructure to power nations towards energy security and net zero.


HOW THE INTERNET OF THINGS SUPPORTS ENERGY SECURITY The internet of things (IoT) connects physical devices to exchange data without human interaction. It is the backbone of smart manufacturing and smart infrastructure, including


connected homes, cars and cities. The IoT plays a central role in


energy security too by connecting devices and solutions that include microgrids, wind turbines, solar farms, hydro power plants, smart meters, battery storage and more. Together, these solutions will transform energy generation, storage and distribution as part of an ecosystem that supports the


goals of energy security and sustainability. The IoT will increasingly relay data that energy


companies use to manage equipment. This data will support decision-making as companies track performance to predict maintenance cycles, monitor devices and conditions to forecast impact on output, and control devices in remote locations. The IoT will also connect a growing volume


of meters and sensors to monitor energy consumption as part of smart metering solutions. This will contribute to load balancing efforts, something which will become steadily more important as electric vehicles, heat pumps and other devices send back, as well as draw down, electricity from the grid. Cellular IoT is ideally suited to connect the


devices and solutions of smart energy systems. It is already adopted in a broad range of industrial and commercial applications because it is flexible, scalable and designed for high availability.


INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ENERGY SECURITY NEEDS SECURE CONNECTIVITY All this connectivity, which will be an integrated part of renewable energy models, must be cybersecure to mitigate the risk of attacks on devices and infrastructure. All connected devices have an attack surface. The question becomes, what


measures can be taken to protect them? Any weaknesses could open devices, networks or management platforms up to risk. Weaknesses could be technical or, just as easily, procedural. Cybercriminals target people in organisations through phishing emails and other means. Given this, IoT connectivity providers, and the


device manufacturers and energy companies they support, must prioritise cybersecurity for the connections of energy solutions. That means device identity authentication and secure connectivity to grid infrastructure, IT systems and cloud destinations. It also means best practice processes and procedures, cybersecurity training for staff and due diligence with suppliers to ensure they meet the standards too. Secure implementations start with the SIM for


device authentication. Then, secure two-way data exchange through, for example, secure private access point names (APNs) and encrypted virtual private networks (VPNs). Artificial intelligence has a part to play too, as it can automate anomaly detection so action can be taken if there is a breach or attempted breach. The data that is exchanged to manage, optimise


and maintain critical national infrastructure must be protected against any attempts to intercept data or undermine operations. Cellular IoT is well-placed to prioritise cybersecurity as it connects devices and smart energy solutions in support of energy security and sustainability aims. www.wirelesslogic.com


TOPSOE SELECTS AVEVA SCOTTISHPOWER RENEWABLES CONFIRMS OFFSHORE WIND CONTRACT


AVEVA has been selected by Topsoe, a leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, to fast-track development of the decarbonisation solutions needed for the production of green hydrogen and other carbon neutral fuels. Topsoe will use AVEVA Process Simulation to model its Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOECs). Tobias Scheele, AVEVA, said: “We


are pleased to expand our deep relationship with Topsoe as the Power- to-X industry develops. The successful energy transition will depend on how quickly industries can deliver low- carbon solutions at scale. We designed AVEVA Process Simulation to accelerate the engineering cycle, so innovations can be executed fast and deliver immediate carbon reductions.” www.aveva.com


www.essmag.co.uk


period and more than 100 roles in operation and maintenance over the lifetime of the windfarm. Seaway7’s scope of work includes the transport,


logistics and installation of 95 monopile foundations, associated seabed preparation and scour protection along with the engineering, supply and installation of the 95 inner-array cables. Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ managing


ScottishPower Renewables has confirmed the contract for the transport and installation of the foundations and inner-array cables for the East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm with Seaway7, part of the Subsea7 Group. East Anglia THREE, located in the southern North Sea,


69km off the Suffolk coast, will be the world’s second largest windfarm when it comes into operation in 2026. Its 95 14.7MW turbines will have a combined capacity of 1,400MW, generating enough green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 1.3 million homes. It will support over 2,300 jobs during the two-year construction


director for the East Anglia Hub offshore windfarms, said: “We’ve been moving at pace to put all the building blocks in place to ensure East Anglia THREE can get to work as quickly as possible, producing more green electricity in the UK for the UK and delivering all the benefits that come with that for the region – jobs, investment and opportunities. We’re already seeing the impact of that and the long-lasting legacy it creates thanks to East Anglia ONE, which came into operation in 2020. “I’m very proud that there’s more of the same to come


while driving that transition to a cleaner, greener, Net Zero future alongside partners like Seaway7.” www.scottishpowerrenewables.com


ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Summer 2023 5


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