What's Happening?
The solar and energy storage industry is increasingly focusing on cybersecurity as threats to critical infrastructure become more frequent and sophisticated. According to recent reports, advanced persistent threat groups from China, Russia, and Iran are
targeting critical infrastructure sectors, including telecommunications, transportation, lodging, water, and power. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is leading efforts to ensure the industry develops and implements best practices for cybersecurity. This includes securing supply chains, reshoring production to the United States, and collaborating with partners like the North American Reliability Corporation and the U.S. Department of Energy to develop security recommendations for solar inverter-based resources and distributed energy resources. The SEIA is also hosting a virtual symposium to discuss cybersecurity and reliability in the solar and storage industry.
Why It's Important?
The emphasis on cybersecurity in the solar and storage industry is crucial as these technologies are rapidly becoming dominant in meeting rising electricity demand. With solar and storage accounting for a significant portion of new grid capacity additions, ensuring their security is vital to prevent unauthorized access and disruptive attacks. The industry's focus on cybersecurity not only protects critical energy systems but also supports energy independence and job creation by reshoring production. As the grid becomes more digitally connected, robust cybersecurity measures are essential to safeguard against nation-state actors, hacktivists, and criminal organizations, thereby maintaining the reliability and security of the energy supply.
What's Next?
The SEIA's upcoming virtual symposium on cybersecurity and reliability will provide insights and practices from leading experts to ensure solar and storage remain secure energy sources. Additionally, the industry is expected to continue developing and disseminating new resources and tools to enhance cybersecurity measures. Stakeholders across the sector are encouraged to actively participate in securing critical infrastructure, highlighting the collaborative effort required to address these challenges. The focus on reshoring production and securing supply chains will likely continue as part of broader efforts to mitigate geopolitical risks and strengthen domestic energy independence.
Beyond the Headlines
The solar industry's cybersecurity initiatives reflect broader trends in energy security and resilience. As global supply chains pose digital and geopolitical risks, reshoring production not only enhances security but also supports domestic economic growth. The industry's proactive approach to cybersecurity underscores the importance of integrating security considerations into the design and operation of energy systems. This shift towards a more secure and resilient energy infrastructure may influence policy decisions and drive innovation in cybersecurity practices across other sectors.
