The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $45 million for grid security research with a focus on machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). This funding aims to enhance cybersecurity measures in the energy sector, particularly in light of recent cyber threats.
A portion of this funding, more than $3.3 million, will be allocated to Texas A&M University-Kingsville for securing distributed energy resources (DER). The move comes in response to a Chinese hacking campaign called Volt Typhoon, which targeted Texas energy infrastructure last year but failed to breach the Electric Reliability Council of Texas system.
According to reports from the Electricity-Information Sharing and Analysis Center, there were 37 China-related cyber events documented in 2023, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by cyberattacks. E-ISAC emphasized China as a significant threat to U.S. infrastructure, underscoring the need for innovative security measures.
Representative Vicente Gonzalez of Texas acknowledged the importance of developing new methods to safeguard energy infrastructure, especially in the wake of the attempted cyberattack on the Texas power grid. The project at Texas A&M University-Kingsville will focus on implementing a zero-trust authentication mechanism with post-quantum cryptography to mitigate cyber-physical security risks for DER devices and networks.
The DOE-funded projects will address various cyber threats facing energy systems, from generation to delivery. In collaboration with organizations like EPRI, Southern Co., and MITRE, these initiatives aim to bolster cybersecurity in response to the evolving landscape of energy technologies.
As power companies integrate information technology, operational technology, and telecommunications infrastructure, cybersecurity remains a critical priority. EPRI’s Technical Executive of Digitalization, Jason Hollern, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in ensuring the reliability of energy supply to homes, businesses, and communities.
By leveraging emerging technologies like AI, the energy sector can enhance innovation while mitigating cybersecurity risks. The DOE’s investment in grid security research underscores the industry’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure against cyber threats and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy to consumers.
