Securing Europe’s Energy Future: JB2B Drives Innovation in the eFORT Project

Europe’s energy grid is the backbone of modern society, powering our homes, industries, and economies. Yet, it faces growing threats from cyberattacks and physical disruptions. Ensuring its resilience and reliability is paramount, is where the eFORT project comes in. 

The eFORT project is a beacon of hope in this landscape. It represents a concerted effort to bolster Europe’s energy security and pave the way for a sustainable future. By bringing together leading experts from academia, industry, and government, eFORT is developing innovative solutions to protect and strengthen the energy grid. 

JustB2B: Driving Innovation and Impact 

JB2B plays a pivotal role in transforming eFORT’s research into tangible and scalable solutions. Their core expertise in organisational transformation is being harnessed to bridge the gap between innovation, impact and market reality. Their approach focuses in:  

  • Identifying high-potential areas: Strategic roadmapping ensures project efforts maximise impact by focusing on the most promising avenues for development.
  • Accelerating time-to-market: JB2B develops go-to-market strategies to rapidly translate research into practical solutions addressing industry challenges.
  • Scaling success for a sustainable future: Replication plans are central to eFORT’s success, ensuring successful solutions can be implemented across Europe for a more resilient and sustainable energy grid

Beyond Innovation: Collaboration is Key

eFORT fosters a collaborative ecosystem by connecting stakeholders like energy providers, technology developers, policymakers, and researchers. This open dialogue:

  • Empowers the Industry: Collaboration fosters a culture of innovation, empowering stakeholders to overcome obstacles and achieve shared goals.
  • Accelerates Innovation: By sharing knowledge and expertise, collaboration speeds up the development of solutions for the energy sector’s most pressing challenges.
  • Addresses Common Challenges: Bringing diverse perspectives to the table leads to more comprehensive solutions that address the multifaceted issues facing the energy grid.

Unlocking High-Impact Opportunities

Through a tailored approach, JB2B identifies the project’s most promising avenues for development. This includes areas like:

  • Data Analytics for Grid Optimisation: Leveraging data analytics to improve grid efficiency and ensure reliable power delivery.
  • Cybersecurity Solutions: Developing advanced security measures specifically designed to protect the energy grid from cyberattacks.
  • Energy Storage Systems: Creating innovative storage solutions to optimize grid management and facilitate wider renewable energy integration.

Exploitation Strategies for Impact:

JB2B employs a comprehensive approach to translate eFORT’s research into impactful solutions. Here are some key strategies:

  • IPR Strategy Development: A solid intellectual property rights (IPR) strategy ensures project innovations are protected while facilitating their commercialisation.
  • Exploitation Focus Workshops: These workshops train partners on exploitation concepts, define exploitable results, and develop strategies for replication and commercialisation.
  • Online Webinars: Webinars promote project activities and results, attracting new stakeholders and encouraging the replication of successful solutions across Europe.

JB2B has identified Multiple Paths to Market:

eFORT envisions various ways to turn its research into commercially viable solutions:

  • Licensing: This involves licensing developed technologies to companies seeking to integrate them into their operations.
  • Consultancy Services: eFORT expertise can be translated into valuable consultancy services for industries seeking guidance on implementing solutions like advanced energy storage systems.
  • Carbon Credits and Emission Reduction: By quantifying the positive environmental impact of project solutions, carbon credits can be generated, creating an additional revenue stream.
  • Technology Transfer and Training: Providing training and technology transfer programs allows partners to implement eFORT solutions effectively.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with companies in related industries offers opportunities for joint ventures, combining resources and expertise for larger-scale implementation.

The Road Ahead:

The eFORT project is well on its way to delivering transformative solutions for Europe’s energy sector. By focusing on collaboration, identifying high-impact areas, and employing a multifaceted exploitation strategy, the project aims to create a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient energy future for generations to come.

Join the Movement!

Stay tuned for updates on eFORT’s progress and exciting news on how you can contribute to shaping a secure and sustainable future!


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Reinforcing Energy Security in Ukraine: Highlights from the eFORT Project

Joint Stock Company “Prykarpattyaoblenergo” is a distribution system operator located in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of western Ukraine. The company’s specialists are responsible for maintaining power grids that consist of over 26,000 km of overhead and underground power lines, along with more than 6,000 transformer substations. The licensed operational area of the enterprise spans 14,000 square kilometers, through which two billion seven million kilowatt-hours of electricity are transmitted annually.

The primary task of JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo” is to ensure reliable and uninterrupted power supply to both the population and businesses within the region. A key factor in maintaining the quality of services is the cybersecurity of its information and operational networks. Since the onset of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the company’s cybersecurity department has faced numerous challenges and a significant increase in attacks.

Participation in the eFORT project represents a vital activity aimed at minimizing risks in cyberspace. Within this project, JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo” serves as a potential end-user of eFORT solutions and acts as a testing ground to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed solutions.

The development of innovative solutions in the field of cybersecurity for Electrical Power and Energy Systems (EPES) necessitates a detailed study and understanding of the cyber threat landscape that an electric power company encounters daily. These activities were successfully initiated and carried out in collaboration with CIRCE, iSolutions, and JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo” within the framework of the eFORT project. The primary objective was to obtain and thoroughly analyze traffic from the operational networks of the Distribution System Operator (DSO) for cyber threats. The data obtained is extremely valuable and will be used in the eFORT project to guide the goals and directions of further innovative work.

Figure 1 Overall network architecture and points for capturing data

JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo’s” cybersecurity specialists, together with representatives from iSolutions, organized and executed traffic capture at various points in the DSO’s information and operational networks as part of the preparation for the Use Case demonstration scenarios. A substantial amount of data was collected for analysis. iSolutions provided valuable consultations and technical support for selecting the optimal network points for traffic capture. The process was divided into several stages, utilizing network devices provided by CIRCE. The data recording spanned more than a week, and the resulting data sets were handed over to CIRCE’s team of specialists, led by Esteban Damián Gutiérrez Mlot, a Computer Science Specialist at Fundación CIRCE.

The analysis of network traffic data was conducted by CIRCE using Malcolm, a powerful network traffic analysis tool suite. Malcolm automatically normalises, enriches, and correlates data for comprehensive analysis, providing robust visibility into network communications through two distinct interfaces: OpenSearch Dashboard, which offers flexible data visualisation, and Arkime, a tool designed for identifying and analysing network sessions related to suspected security incidents. For threat detection, Malcolm processes network packets through two Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Zeek (formerly Bro) and Suricata.

Figure 2 Threats detected in inbound traffic

The bar chart (Figure 2) provides an overview of the attack types detected within the network traffic. The most prevalent attack category is scanning, representing a significant number of detections. Additionally, HTTP attacks show a notable frequency. These findings highlight that scanning activities, indicative of reconnaissance or probing, are the most recurrent threat, followed by a substantial number of HTTP attacks. Lower-frequency categories, such as denial of service, execution, discovery, and defence evasion, are particularly concerning. Despite their lower frequency, these less common attacks demand heightened attention due to their potential severity and specialised nature.

The outbound network serves as the gateway connecting external networks to the vital infrastructure of the electrical substation. Securing this network is paramount to safeguarding the critical processes that form the backbone of the substation’s operations.

Figure 3 Threats detected in outbound traffic

As expected, the outbound network exhibits significantly fewer threats compared to inbound traffic. Nevertheless, it is crucial to secure this area effectively, emphasizing the need for robust security measures to mitigate potential risks.

As a result of the work carried out and the deeper analysis conducted, JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo” has developed several technical and software measures to improve the security of the region’s power grids, which is extremely significant and important. The effective collaboration of specialists from CIRCE, iSolutions, and JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo” within the framework of the eFORT project has provided not only valuable contributions to the project but also advanced, innovative experiences and directions for strategic initiatives to enhance the cybersecurity of the Ukrainian DSO.


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Enhancing Grid Resilience: Dynamic Simulations for Stability in South-Tirol’s Distribution Network by Fraunhofer EMI

In the eFORT project, Fraunhofer EMI develops dynamic simulations that contribute to increase the resilience of electricity grids. The methods are demonstrated using a distribution grid in the Sarentino Valley (Italy), which is operated by Edyna.

The solutions developed by the project partners during the course to the project are demonstrated within four pilot cases located in Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and Ukraine. The contribution of Fraunhofer EMI focuses on the third pilot case located in South-Tirol (Italy). The specific power grid under consideration is a remote MV/LV distribution grid in the Sarentino Valley, which has a high proportion of hydropower.

Due to the geographical location of the grid under consideration, there is a high vulnerability to being disconnected from the superimposed grid, but on the other hand, due to the high proportion of hydropower, there is a possibility of being operated as a grid island, at least temporarily especially in summer time. In addition to the quasi-dynamic investigation of island operation, grid stability with a particular focus on frequency stability is also examined with the help of dynamic RMS simulations. A particular challenge here arises from the low inertia of the distribution grid, which is made more difficult by the increasing number of prosumers.

Result and Discussion

Based on the close and efficient cooperation with all partners, in particular with EDYNA and SELTA-DP, work was initially carried out on the development of a dynamic model of part of the distribution grid. In addition to the lines/cables, the model contains static generators, loads and dynamic generators, which were modeled as synchronous generators. In a first step, standard models and fictitious controller and machine parameters were assumed for voltage and speed controllers. Yet no protective relays were taken into account. All loads are modeled with a constant impedance. The grid model is now available as a PowerFactory model and enables the simulation of the dynamic behavior of the grid, for example in the event of a disconnection from the superimposed transmission grid or a significant load step. A further version of the model has been created for use with a dynamic RMS, which is also being developed by Fraunhofer EMI as part of the eFORT project and is continuously validated against commercial simulation software tools such as PowerFactory and Neplan. 

The following example shows exemplary simulation results based on the dynamic model of part of the distribution grid under consideration. The grid, schematically illustrated in Figure 1, contains a number of switches that enable lines to be switched off and the grid to be split into two parts. In the example, some switches are open so that two separate grid parts are created, each of which is connected to the superimposed grid. Due to the generation from biogas, hydropower and photovoltaics, grid A (green) has a power surplus, while grid part B (blue) must be fed from the superimposed grid.

Figure 1: Schematic representation of the distribution network.

At time t =1 s, both grids are disconnected from the superimposed grid, resulting in the traces shown in Figure 2 for the respective frequencies and the aggregated turbine outputs for the two sub-grids.

Figure 2: Frequency and aggregated power generation of the two sub-grids. 

Due to the failure of the external grid, not only the active power flows but also the (negative) reactive power flows go to zero (see Figure 3), so that the voltages initially rise sharply. Assuming loads of constant impedance, this results in an increase in load power. This temporary increase in load power is reflected in an initial drop in frequency and an increase in the aggregated turbine power in grid section A, even if this is statically oversupplied. In the long term, the frequency stabilises above 50 Hz and a reduced aggregated turbine output is obtained.

Figure 3: Amount of injected reactive power fed into the two sub-grids as well as the voltages at the lower voltages side of the two corresponding substations.

Outlook

Further steps that will be performed in the following project period are the adjustment of model parameters in cooperation with grid and generation plant operators for a better approximation of the real dynamic behaviour and their validation. The final goal is to evaluate the frequency stability of the distribution grid in island operation with regard to significant load steps and generator failures. The RMS codes developed at Fraunhofer EMI will also be used here. Established measures such as the temporal rate of change of the frequency immediately after the event (ROCOF) and the minimum frequency passed (NADIR) will be used as evaluation criteria.

While the prediction of the frequency mainly depends on the inertia of the grid and the magnitude of the active power imbalance, the evaluation of the angular stability, as another important stability phenomenon, requires an accurate dynamic description of all generators and reactive power generating components. With increasingly accurate modelling of the grid components, e.g., by replacing standard parameters for machines and controllers with real parameters, the prediction accuracy of the rotor angles of the individual generators also increases. The temporal traces of the rotor angles, in particular their temporal and local scatter, then enable a reliable assessment of the angular stability.

Conclusion

Being able to predict the dynamic behaviour of the distribution grid for a list of credible contingency scenarios like islanding, generator failure, line failure and others, and through the subsequent assessment of the evolution of frequency and rotor angles, the operator gains a powerful tool to improve the stability of its grid during the grid planning phase and operation


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Fortifying the Power Grid: JSC Prykarpattyaoblenergo’s Role in Advancing Cybersecurity through the eFORT Project

Early stage of constructing a testbed

The power system is the backbone of the economy, with every sector reliant on a stable supply of electricity. Any disruption can significantly impact essential services such as finance, communication, heating, gas, and water supply. With the proliferation of digital devices and advanced communication systems, the threat landscape for power grids has expanded, posing increased risks of cyber-attacks, data breaches, and other security challenges.

As one of the leading Distribution System Operator (DSO), effort partner, JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo” recognizes the critical importance of cybersecurity. This is why they are actively participating in the eFORT project, funded by the European Union, to enhance the resilience and reliability of power grids against cyber threats, physical failures, and data protection issues.

Their commitment to innovation and security is demonstrated by their extensive infrastructure: over 26,000 kilometres of power transmission lines, more than 6,700 transformer substations, and the transmission of approximately 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually across nearly 14,000 square kilometres. With a dedicated team of over 3,000 employees, they ensure the provision of reliable power to homes and businesses in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine.

Detailing of certain equipment of the test stand

The eFORT project aims to develop technological solutions for detecting, preventing, and mitigating risks and vulnerabilities within power systems. JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo” plays a pivotal role as a demonstration site for testing a cutting-edge software/hardware solution designed to encrypt data exchange between high-voltage substations and the grid operator. This includes the Secure Box, which will be tested in a laboratory setting that mimics the operational environment of our high-voltage substations. The testing encompasses both state-of-the-art equipment provided by Schneider Electric and older, yet widely used, equipment in Ukraine’s power grids.

Currently, the DSO is focused on creating and configuring the test bench to emulate the entire substation control chain—from the grid dispatcher’s computer with an active SCADA scheme to the high-voltage switch at the substation. The primary focus is on the command transmission link from the central dispatch centre to the remote substation, where the Secure Box will be installed and tested.

 Part of the schematic of a real power grid in the SCADA system for testing

Another significant aspect of JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo ‘s involvement in the eFORT project is the development of enhanced security designs for high-voltage substations using BIM technology. In collaboration with iSolutions, they conducted a comprehensive three-dimensional scan of the Iltsi Substation 110/35/10kV, generating a highly detailed point cloud. Based on this data, CIRCE will create a detailed 3D model of the substation to showcase the benefits of the latest BIM methodology in improving substation security design.

In today’s world, JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo” is acutely aware of the severe threats posed by attacks on power grid management systems, which can result in significant financial losses and even human casualties. Their active participation in the eFORT project not only contributes to the advancement of critical infrastructure protection technologies but also strengthens the resilience of energy companies against future cyber challenges. This initiative allows DSO to gain valuable experience from the European Union in critical infrastructure protection, reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding the power grid.

Through these efforts, JSC “Prykarpattyaoblenergo” is at the forefront of enhancing cybersecurity in the power sector, ensuring a more secure and reliable power supply for the future.


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Empowering Energy Security: Cuerva’s Innovations in the eFORT Project

Welcome to an insightful exploration of Cuerva’s pivotal role within the eFORT project, aimed at fortifying the security and resilience of European energy networks. In this article, we invite you to join us on a journey through Cuerva’s contributions to this groundbreaking initiative. We’ll delve into the innovative solutions and collaborative endeavours driving the enhancement of energy grid security, showcasing Cuerva’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the energy transition.

As a valued partner in the eFORT project consortium, Cuerva brings expertise, dedication, and a user-centred approach to the table. Throughout this article, we’ll uncover Cuerva’s multifaceted engagement, from pinpointing vulnerabilities to implementing robust security measures. Join us as we explore how Cuerva’s involvement in the eFORT project is shaping a more resilient energy future for Europe.

The objective of the European-funded Project eFORT is clear: enhance the resilience and security of European energy networks. This entails strengthening defences against potential failures, cyber-attacks, and privacy breaches.

To achieve this objective, CUERVA is deploying a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to identify, prevent, and remediate any vulnerabilities within the system. What’s noteworthy is that these efforts will not remain confined within the confines of closed doors. Instead, they intend to showcase these solutions at various levels, including Transmission System Operators (TSOs), Distribution System Operators (DSOs), and end users alike.

As mentioned above, Cuerva plays a pivotal role in this project. They are not mere spectators but active participants, deeply involved in the implementation process. From pinpointing system vulnerabilities to establishing sophisticated security measures, their commitment spans every aspect of the project. Ultimately, their aim is to ensure the energy grid’s robustness, reliability, and inclusivity for all stakeholders.

Cuerva’s engagement in the project operates on multiple fronts. Within the realm of Internet of Things (IoT), their focus lies in assessing vulnerabilities within the CUERVA Living Lab. Using a methodical approach, they identify potential weaknesses and develop strategies to mitigate attacks on distributed resources. This entails crafting action plans to preemptively thwart such threats and devising cybersecurity algorithms tailored to address specific issues. Additionally, they simulate various failure scenarios stemming from these attacks to evaluate the power grid’s responsiveness and resilience.

  • On the user front, their responsibilities include overseeing user management and ensuring secure access to the system. Moreover, they actively monitor user activity and facilitate the seamless integration of custom Distribution System Operator (DSO) systems into microgrids and network segments, enhancing overall security and operational efficiency.
  • At the industrial level, they conduct rigorous testing of the SecureBox within the framework of the Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion Prevention System (IDS/IPS). This involves closely monitoring the status of smart meters, including the timely deployment of security patches and the prompt detection of alarms and emergency functions. By seamlessly integrating these components into existing infrastructures, they ensure robust monitoring capabilities and enable swift responses to potential threats.
Here you can see an image of the Flow diagram between the data that the substation provides to the SecureBox, how it is sent to the intelligent platform and closing the loop the developed algorithm can protect the substation.

To tackle the identified challenges and leverage the associated opportunities, Cuerva is adopting a comprehensive strategy that addresses both user-centric aspects and critical infrastructure, including digital substations. This approach is aimed at fortifying the security and privacy of communication networks, modernising distribution automation infrastructure, and developing cutting-edge tools for threat detection and response.

Key Challenges and Opportunities at the User Level with High Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Penetration:

  • – Addressing privacy and security concerns within communication networks.
  • – Reinforcing subsystems within Power Electric Systems to accommodate the presence of distributed resources.
  • – Upgrading distribution automation infrastructure to bolster security measures.

Key Challenges and Opportunities related to Critical Infrastructure and Digital Substations:

  • – Conducting a thorough analysis of threats and assessing the impact of attacks such as malicious documents (maldocs), Remote Access Trojans, or IoT malware on system stability.
  • – Identifying and evaluating security technologies applicable to digital substations to enhance the overall robustness of automation systems.
  • – Updating IoT devices in the network, including devising plans for renewal and scalability.
  • – Ensuring seamless connectivity of remote access points, current transformers (CT), and substations.
  • – Developing tools for detecting and responding to attacks or intrusions.
  • – Strengthening security measures in automated digital substations.- Implementing automated response mechanisms to mitigate potential threats.

In the upcoming months, Cuerva will initiate the provision of distribution network data to our technology developer partners. This real-world data will serve as the foundation for training our Intrusion Detection System (IDS) device. An IDS is a cybersecurity tool that monitors network traffic or system events to detect and prevent malicious activities. Our IDS device will operate in both network (NIDS) and host (HIDS) modes, with capabilities for both detection and prevention. It employs methods such as signature analysis and behaviour monitoring to safeguard against threats.

Cuerva will leverage this real data to train our IDS device, comparing it with compromised fictitious data to enhance its efficacy. Subsequent communications will delve into the detailed development and implementation plans for these solutions, all within the overarching framework of the eFORT project.

We firmly believe that these efforts will lead to a significant strengthening of our infrastructure, both physical and data-related, as we prepare for future challenges. These developments will serve as a cornerstone, setting precedents that can be applied across other substations and segments of the electric distribution network.


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Press release: eFORT project develops a digital twin of the grid to increase cybersecurity

The eFORT project, initiated in September 2022 and funded by Horizon Europe, is making significant steps in enhancing the resilience, security, and sustainability of European power grids for the present and future generations. Besides aiming to tackle both cyber-attacks and physically occurring threats, eFORT also focuses on contributing to an interconnected energy landscape and implementing their solutions by embracing a greener energy mix. 

Deepening the overall impact of eFORT, the project is developing a groundbreaking Digital Twin at the Dutch demo site, coordinated by TenneT and the Delft University of Technology. Digital Twin technology is a dynamic and innovative concept aimed at fortifying the operational resilience of interconnected power grids to cyber-attacks. This technology, while currently in progress, holds the potential to revolutionise grid security by not only preventing cascading failures but also facilitating power system restoration, in case of power outages. 

The Digital Twin involves a sophisticated communication aspect and dynamic system modelling.

“Accurately capturing the condition of the system in real-time helps in creating a power system analysis for different scenarios, that can be used for mitigating cascading failures.”

as Alex Stefanov from TuD explains.

This technology acts as a proactive defence mechanism, utilising artificial intelligence tools such as graph neural networks and machine learning techniques, and by foreseeing potential threats, it can safeguard the resilience of the grid in the face of cyber-attacks.

Up until now, the eFORT project has completed foundational work and proof of concept, progressing toward implementation in a realistic test network. 

“While digital twin technology enables many advantages, the primary emphasis of the eFORT project is not only the building of a digital twin itself but rather the development of digital twin-based applications”

says Matija Naglic from TenneT.

The eFORT project, with its comprehensive approach, is not merely addressing challenges but actively shaping the future outlook of European grid resilience.


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eFORT’s Innovative Approach to European Cybersecurity in Energy Grids

In a time when digital transformation is affecting the European landscape of cybersecurity rapidly, creating more secure and resilient infrastructures is at the top of the agenda in the EU. That is why eFORT, a collaborative initiative involving 23 partners and 9 countries from across the European Union, is making significant steps to strengthen cybersecurity in interconnected power grids and ensure uninterrupted energy supply. 

Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future

Recent events, such as the cyberattack on Ukraine’s power grid in 2022 serve as a reminder of potential vulnerabilities and therefore the increasing urgency to protect and fortify power grid systems. Researchers have tied the attack to Russian cyber spies, whose hack resulted in a disruption of part of Ukraine’s power grid. This undoubtedly underscores the need for collaboration and innovative solutions to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure resilience. Alex Stefanov from the eFORT partner, Delft University of Technology highlights, that “as the cyber threats are becoming more prominent, awareness is needed, and we need to work together to respond and be prepared”.

EU Regulations: A Pivotal Shift towards Cybersecurity

In an effort to address and prevent these and similar challenges, the EU has implemented two pivotal regulations: the Network Code on Cybersecurity and the EU Cyber Resilience Act, which act as a meaningful step for grid operators as well, influencing TSOs and DSOs. The aim of the former is “to set a European standard for the cybersecurity of cross-border electricity flows”, by including actions such as assessment, minimum requirements, cybersecurity certifications, and crisis management, to mention some. The essence of the Cyber Resilience Act is to ensure the cybersecurity of both products and software with a digital component. The purpose is to protect consumers and businesses, by establishing mandatory requirements for manufacturers and retailers, and addressing insufficient safety levels. These regulations also enable system operators in Europe to be more prepared in the face of threats, and for all relevant actors to work together efficiently. “Historically, we are doing very well – in the Netherlands we have not had a cyber-attack that has caused a blackout in the grid, and new regulations are responding to the changing environment in which we operate,” says Matija Naglic from the eFORT partner, TenneT.

Pioneering Tomorrow: eFORT’s Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity

As the Horizon-Europe funded eFORT progresses, it is pioneering a comprehensive and holistic approach to securing Europe’s energy grid. Applying new operational technologies, eFORT is demonstrating collaboration and innovation in the broader cybersecurity landscape, working against cyberattacks, physical disturbances and failures, and data privacy issues. Solutions by the project are demonstrated across four pilot sites in Europe, including Spain, Netherlands, Italy and Ukraine. Addressing vulnerabilities against failures, utilising data confidentiality procedures and blockchain layers, developing secure-by-design technologies, deploying intelligent platforms, such as intrusion detection systems and digital twin of the substation are a few of the advanced strategies eFORT is implementing.

Digital Twin Revolution: A Dynamic Shield Against Cyber Threats

The digital twin, an advanced and progressive concept, serves as a dynamic, real-time model of power grid conditions, enabling advanced cybersecurity measures, and striving for future grid operator training. Thanks to the digital twin, as Alex Stefanov explains, “every five seconds we know how the system changes, and we can use this to do power system analysis in our analysis for various scenarios on how cyberattacks can result in different cascading failures or a blackout”. This means that the digital twin solution plays a crucial role in preventing these potential failures resulting from cyber threats, as well as in restoring the power system.

Beyond Challenges: eFORT’s Vision for a Secure Energy Future

The project not only addresses immediate cybersecurity challenges but also sets the foundation for a future where innovative solutions safeguard Europe’s electrical grid system against emerging threats through a collaborative framework and shared commitment by partners.