Abstract
The Horizon Europe project eFORT is developing secure-by-design solutions to protect Europe’s power grids against cyberattacks, physical hazards, and extreme weather. With 23 partners across nine countries and four pilot sites, eFORT combines digital twins, AI, blockchain, and intrusion prevention to safeguard citizens, businesses, and operators while supporting Europe’s sustainable energy transition.
Introduction
Electricity is the backbone of modern society, powering our homes, businesses, hospitals, and digital infrastructure. Yet Europe’s power grids are facing increasing pressure as they become more interconnected and digitised. From cyberattacks to extreme weather events, disruptions can lead to costly blackouts and widespread instability.
The eFORT project, funded under the Horizon Europe programme brings together 23 partners from nine European countries to tackle this challenge. Running from September 2022 to August 2026, eFORT is developing innovative tools to make electricity systems more secure, reliable, and sustainable.
Methodology
At its core, eFORT follows a two-pronged approach:
- Identify vulnerabilities in Europe’s transmission and distribution networks.
- Deploy cutting-edge solutions that detect, prevent, and mitigate risks in real time.
The project is guided by a secure-by-design philosophy, ensuring that protection is built into systems from the ground up. eFORT’s solutions integrate:
- Intelligent Platform – a cloud-based hub for vulnerabilities databases, risk assessment, and real-time grid monitoring.
- Digital Twins – virtual models of the grid, continuously updated with real data.
- Blockchain – to enhance trust, resilience, and transparency in grid transactions.
- AI-based Control Algorithms – for dynamic stability and self-healing capabilities.
- Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems – to safeguard against cyber threats.
- SecureBox – a localised defence system that protects assets such as substations and smart meters.
Results & Discussion
Although the project is ongoing, eFORT is already shaping how Europe thinks about grid resilience. Its solutions will be tested and validated across four pilot sites that reflect diverse challenges:
- Spain – addressing cybersecurity threats in critical network infrastructure.
- Italy – deploying grid islanding algorithms to secure supply in remote areas.
- The Netherlands – protecting interconnected networks against cascading failures and European-wide blackouts.
- Ukraine – enhancing cybersecurity in digital substations to protect critical infrastructure.
These demonstrations will ensure that eFORT’s tools are tested in real-world environments, achieving a technology readiness level (TRL) of 5–6.
Conclusion
As Europe advances towards a low-carbon, digital future, the resilience of its electricity systems is paramount. eFORT provides a pioneering suite of solutions, from AI and blockchain to SecureBoxes and digital twins, to future-proof Europe’s grids.
With its multinational consortium, strong technical foundation, and real-world pilots, eFORT is building the foundation for a more secure, reliable, and sustainable energy system. The results will not only benefit citizens and businesses but also support Europe’s long-term energy and climate goals.
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