Security Requirements and Practices for Smart Grids

Sammanfattning: The electricity sector has a huge role in decarbonization of the energy system in order to meet climate targets and achieve net zero emission goals in different countries across the world. Present day electric power systems are increasingly dependent on less carbon intensive renewable energy sources for power generation. Rapid penetration of renewables leads to an increase in distributed generation and active consumer participation resulting in complex interactions within the power system. Therefore, traditional electric power grids are evolving to smart grids with the help of information and communication advancements. As a result, there is greater integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) actors, inclusion of clean energy sources, improved connectivity, sustainable supply and demand balance management of power etc. However, this sustainable transition gives rise to new attack points for malicious actors, who intend to disrupt the functioning of these smart grids. Therefore, this study aims to identify and analyse the most significant risks to smart grids in the next 10 years. The methodology for this research is two-fold: reviewing state-of-the-art research publications on smart grid security and conducting a semi-qualitative power grid security assessment through interviews with experts across countries. False Data Injection (FDI), Denial of Service (DoS) and supply chain attacks are some of the most important threats according to these methods. Finally, findings from the two research methods are compared to provide a comprehensive overview of the most significant risks to smart grids.