Australia’s renewable energy sector faces growing threats

Australia is committed to becoming a more energy efficient country.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency recently announced $100 million plan Exploring and expanding solar capacity. Further investment in energy storage, pumped hydro and a low-carbon grid may be equally important.

However, Australia must also address an underlying challenge: integrating a strong IT and software foundation within the OT environment that runs the grid. Without this, Australia may struggle to fully realize its renewable energy ambitions.

Convergence of OT and IT

OT refers to the hardware and software that detects or causes changes by directly monitoring and controlling physical devices, processes, and events in an enterprise. IT involves the use of systems, especially computers and telecommunications, to store, retrieve, and send information.

Traditionally, these two technologies have been distinct and managed independently. However, the integration of OT and IT is critical to modernizing the electric grid.

As IBM Notesthis integration must be effective in four areas:

• Smart Meter: Smart meters can measure real-time energy consumption at the consumer end, providing detailed information about consumption patterns to both consumers and energy suppliers.
• Sensors and automation equipment: These devices are installed throughout the power grid to monitor voltage, current, load capacity, etc. They can automatically adjust parameters to prevent overloads and prolonged large-scale power outages.
• Communication Network: The communications network is the backbone of any smart grid, facilitating the transmission of data between various components, including sensors, automation equipment, and control centers. The transmission system can be wired or wireless and use a range of protocols and communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and 4G/5G.
• Software and Analysis: Smart grids generate a large amount of data. To manage, analyze and interpret this data, utilities rely on advanced software and analytical tools. This software and the insights it provides can help suppliers predict demand patterns, identify potential problems and optimize the distribution network.

The role of artificial intelligence in energy management

Artificial intelligence is also playing an increasingly important role in the following areas: Sustainability Effortsand Some tech giants For example, Microsoft, Google and IBM are using artificial intelligence to reduce climate harm.

Technologies such as machine learning and data analytics enable smart grids to predict energy demand, optimize energy distribution, and even foresee potential failures.

AI-driven energy management systems can also analyze large amounts of data from a variety of sources, including weather forecasts, energy consumption patterns, and grid performance indicators. This analysis can help build systems that automate energy production and distribution, ensuring that supply efficiently meets demand.

Cybersecurity: A growing threat to renewable energy development

Australia is at high risk of cyber threats through OT technologies, which could impact the country’s renewable energy goals. 82% of organizations Cyberattacks through OT systems are an increasing risk as Australia’s electricity grid digitizes.

The country is also increasingly reliant on highly distributed energy methods, which means the attack surface is much larger. For example, rooftop solar — solar panels on individual homes and businesses that are then connected to the grid through IoT devices, software and digital technologies — is a cause of Currently 40% of Australia’s energy Supplied by renewable energy.

The increasing integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind into Australia’s energy grid has made it a prime target for cybercriminals. The energy industry’s adoption of smart devices and IoT technology has expanded the attack surface, making it easier for hackers to infiltrate and disrupt operations.

Need to expand cybersecurity investments

For Australia to successfully harness renewable energy, a strong IT foundation must be in place.

Australia’s Energy Industry Cybersecurity Framework It would be a good regulatory move to leverage successful frameworks such as the US Department of Energy’s Electricity Sub-Sector Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model and harmonise them with Australian-specific control references such as ACSC Essential 8.

However, the IT channel (including IT professionals and service providers) and IT professionals also need to have the skills and knowledge to manage and protect integrated energy systems. This includes understanding the unique challenges of OT environments and how to effectively apply IT solutions.

This strategy would allow Australia to target Renewable Energy The transformation was not only successful, but also able to withstand the increasing number of cyber attacks.