
Energy Security in the United States and Australian Sectors
The security of energy infrastructure is key to ensuring the […]
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The security of energy infrastructure is key to ensuring the continued functioning of our society.
The interrelated nature of the energy sector means that all other sectors rely heavily on energy security to underpin their operations.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recently announced nearly $3 million in funding for ten innovative projects. These initiatives, led by the DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), aim to enhance the resilience and security of the United States energy systems against threats such as cyber attacks, physical warfare and natural hazards.
This blog delves into the details of these projects and explores their relevance to Australia, a nation equally committed to bolstering its energy security.
How will the DOE’s investment improve Energy Security?
This funding announcement improves the US Energy sector by providing a wide ranging group of technologies and methods to be researched by academia, aiming to reduce the risks and improve the resilience of energy systems. Some highlights of this announcement include:
- Quantum-Based Technologies: Brigham Young University will work to develop quantum-based technology focused on communication improvements to Distributed Energy Resource (DER) infrastructure, with an aim to secure energy distribution from this emerging type of asset.
- Advanced Sensors: New York University will enhance physical security monitoring systems at substations using distributed fibre-optics sensing technology, which can detect intrusions with greater accuracy and detail than existing sensors. This technology is widely used already, so it will be interesting to see what additional improvements can be gained from this research.
- Cyber-Physical Platforms: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will create a scalable platform capable of simulating large-scale electric power grids under various conditions, providing a robust tool for managing cyber and physical threats.
These projects are innovative and also scalable, which provides the potential for application across multiple energy systems. The DOE’s emphasis on partnerships with universities, industry, and technology companies underscores the collaborative effort required to achieve a secure and resilient energy future.
Australian Context: Collaborative Efforts in Energy Security
Australia also faces significant challenges in ensuring the security and resilience of its energy infrastructure. The two nations have a history of collaboration in this domain, exemplified by the sixth bilateral Energy Security Dialogue held in Canberra in March 2024. This dialogue focused on clean energy cooperation and grid modernisation, highlighting the shared commitment to enhancing energy security.
Key Initiatives in Australia:
Grid Modernisation and Energy Storage: Australia is actively working on modernising its energy grid and improving energy storage solutions. These efforts are crucial for managing the increasing share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. Advanced cyber security technologies are being integrated into the energy infrastructure to protect against potential threats, mirroring the initiatives funded by the DOE.
CSIP-AUS: The Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia (CSIP-AUS) is a set of guidelines designed to standardise communication protocols for Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in Australia. Developed by the DER Integration API Technical Working Group, it aims to ensure inter-operability and secure communication between DERs and utility networks, key points include:
Standardised Communication: Based on the IEEE 2030.5 protocol, CSIP-AUS ensures consistent and secure communication between DERs and utility networks.
Active Management: It facilitates the active management of DERs, including dynamic import and export limits, to enhance network visibility and reliability.
Interoperability: The guidelines help integrate DERs across different Australian jurisdictions, and potentially other countries, with minimal modifications.
Consumer Benefits: By harnessing the full value of DERs, CSIP-AUS aims to benefit consumers, electricity networks, and the broader power system.
AEMO Rule Change: This draft rule aims to provide AEMO with the necessary tools and resources to further bolster the National Electricity Market’s resilience against evolving cyber threats.
The draft rule builds upon existing industry efforts, including the Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF), and AEMO’s current emergency powers, to respond to cyber incidents. It proposes four key cyber security preparedness functions for AEMO:
- Coordinating a NEM-wide cyber incident response plan
- Supporting energy businesses with cyber incident preparedness
- Providing expert cyber security advice to government and industry
- Distributing critical cyber security information to market participants
The Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework Version 2 (AESCSFv2) is an updated framework developed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to enhance cyber security across Australia’s energy sector. Released in 2023, AESCSFv2 focuses on improving security in Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS), incorporating 354 practices and anti-patterns for organisations to adopt as part of their risk management programs under the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act. This version emphasizes securing supply chains, alignment with international standards, and addresses the evolving cyber threat landscape. It provides tools for assessing cyber security maturity and criticality, helping organisations prioritise and improve their cyber security capabilities.
Clean Energy Cooperation
The bilateral dialogue also emphasized the importance of clean energy co-operation. Australia and the U.S. are working together on research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the resilience of their energy sectors. This includes the establishment of the Battery Supply Chain and Research Working Group to deepen both countries’ manufacturing capabilities and work on battery technology research and development.
Regional Resilience: Both nations are committed to supporting climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes initiatives focused on assisting women in the Pacific in the energy transition, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusive and sustainable energy solutions.
Conclusion
The DOE’s recent funding announcement is a great step towards securing the energy infrastructure against a wide range of threats. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering international collaborations, both the U.S. and Australia are making significant strides towards a more secure and resilient energy future. This shared commitment to innovation and co-operation underscores the global nature of energy security challenges and the collective effort required to address them.
For more information on how Anchoram Consulting can provide comprehensive expertise on energy security, please contact us.
The security of energy infrastructure is key to ensuring the […]
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