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New Energy World™
New Energy World™ embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low-carbon technologies.
Cybersecurity and BESS – battery energy storage systems
2/10/2024
10 min read
Feature
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming indispensable in modern power grids. These systems integrate renewable energy sources, maintain grid stability and provide backup power during emergencies. However, increasing digitalisation of energy systems and the inherent vulnerabilities of BESS to cyber threats pose significant risks to the stability of power grids and the safety of physical assets. Sara Siddeeq reports.
BESS manage the variability of renewable energy sources like wind and solar by storing excess energy when production exceeds demand and releasing it during peak periods. This helps stabilise the grid and improve energy efficiency. The projected growth of BESS installations is substantial, with a 15-fold increase expected by 2030, from 27 GW/56 GWh in 2021 to 411 GW/1,194 GWh. While this expansion highlights the strategic importance of BESS in future energy systems, it also increases their exposure to cyber threats.
Given their critical role, BESS are significant targets for cybercriminals. These systems are integrated with broader energy management systems, making them susceptible to cyber intrusions. The attack surface of BESS includes both operational technologies (OT), which control physical processes, and information technologies (IT), which manage data and communication. This convergence creates complex vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The cybersecurity landscape
The energy sector faces an increasingly complex cyber risk landscape, with cybersecurity threats rising in frequency and sophistication. Recent incidents, such as cyberattacks on wind-energy companies in Germany and a data breach at India’s main power company Tata Power, illustrate the growing risks. These attacks range from ransomware and data theft to disruptions of critical control systems, driven by motives like financial gain, political agendas and sabotage.