Press release: eFORT project to enhance European electrical grid security and resilience

The Horizon Europe funded eFORT project, launched in September 2022, aims to improve European grid security on both cyber and physical levels. The project was prompted by a multitude of challenges to the grid, posed by climate change, green transition, and human-induced hazards.

To address attacks and disruptive events, eFORT aims to provide a clear picture of vulnerabilities and major threats and develop a set of solutions. The solutions include an intelligent platform and the use of digital twins for the Control Room of the Future to train future grid operators. As part of the project, data confidentiality procedures and blockchain layers will be used to increase security and privacy in grid data management.

Results from the project will be tested and validated in four distinct demo cases across Europe. These include transmission networks in the Netherlands, remote distribution grids in Northern Italy, and digital substations in Ukraine and microgrids in Spain. The comprehensive approach aims to ensure the applicability of the eFORT solutions to a wide range of grid scenarios.

The project combines a unique set of expertise in the fields of physical protection and cybersecurity of the grids. Bringing together a consortium of 23 leading organizations, comprising key players in the energy industry, universities, research institutes, and consultancies, eFORT aims to enhance the resilience and security of European energy systems, benefitting all layers of society. The €9 million project is funded by the European Union Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme, Grant Agreement number 101075665.

Quick facts:

  • Duration: 1 September 2022 – 31 August 2026
  • Demonstration sites: Escúzar, Spain; the Netherlands; Sarentino Valley, Italy;
    Iltsi, Ukraine
  • eFORT is funded by the European Union Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme, Grant Agreement number 101075665.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact the project coordinator:

Fundacion CIRCE

efortcoordination@fcirce.es

Website: www.efort-project.eu

X: www.twitter.com/efortproject

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/efort-project

Newsletter: www.efort-project.eu/newsletter