Australia is on a quest to become a more energy-efficient state.
A$ 100 million initiative to investigate and develop solar power features was just announced by the American Renewable Energy Agency. More investments in energy storage, pumped water, and low-carbon grid may prove just as important.
Yet, the country must also target a fundamental issue: the inclusion of strong IT and software foundations within the Twisted environments that support the grids. Without these, Australia might challenge to realize its goals for renewable energy.
The fusion of IT and OT
OT refers to the hardware and software that monitor and control the operation of natural products, techniques, and activities in an organization and senses or causes modifications through this process. IT involves the use of techniques— particularly computers and telecommunications — for keeping, retrieving, and sending information.
Usually, these two types of systems have been kept very specific and managed separately. However, the fusion of OT and IT is crucial for the modernization of power systems.
As IBM notes, there are four areas where this connectivity must be successful:
- Smart meters: Smart meters record the borrower’s end-to-end energy consumption, providing detailed information on use patterns to both the buyer and the power provider.
- Sensors and technology devices: These are installed throughout the network to monitor energy, present, and weight capacity, among other metrics. They can quickly alter parameters to avoid overloads and prolonged, large-scale outages.
- Communication systems: The foundation of any intelligent network, communication networks facilitate the transfer of data between different components, including sensors, automated devices, and command centres. Transmission techniques can be wired or wireless and employ a range of methods and communication solutions, such as Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and 4G/5G.
- Software and analytics: Smart grids generate massive amounts of data. To manage, analyse, and interpret this data, utilities rely on advanced software and analytics tools. Providers can use this software to predict demand patterns, identify potential issues, and improve the distribution network thanks to the insights it offers.
The role of AI in energy management
AI is also playing an increasingly important role in sustainability efforts, with some tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and IBM leveraging AI to reduce climate harms.
These technologies, such as machine learning and data analytics, enable the smart grid to predict energy demand, optimise energy distribution, and even foresee potential failures before they occur.
AI-driven energy management systems can also analyse vast amounts of data from various sources, including weather forecasts, energy consumption patterns, and grid performance metrics. This analysis can aid in developing energy production and distribution systems that ensure that the supply and demand are satisfied efficiently.
Cyber security: A growing threat to renewable energy efforts
Australia is at high risk of experiencing cyber threats through OT technology, which affects the nation’s renewable ambitions. With 82 % of organisations experiencing cyber attacks through OT systems, there is growing risk being introduced into Australia’s energy grid as it digitalises.
The nation’s increasingly decentralized energy policy results in a much larger attack surface. For example, rooftop solar — solar panels on individual homes and businesses that are then connected to the grid via IoT devices, software, and digital technologies— is a contributing factor to 40 % of Australia’s energy now being supplied by renewable sources.
The increasing integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into Australia’s energy grid has made it a prime target for cybercriminals. The energy sector’s adoption of smart devices and IoT technologies has made it easier for hackers to break into businesses and disrupt operations.
the need to increase investment in cyber security
For Australia to successfully leverage renewable energy, they must establish strong IT foundations.
The Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework is a good regulatory step, leveraging successful frameworks, such as the U. S. Department of Energy’s Electricity Subsector Cybersecurity Capability Maturing Model, and harmonising it with Australian-specific control references, such as the ACSC Essential 8.
However, it’s also crucial for both the IT channel, which includes IT professionals and service providers, to bring the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and secure the integrated energy systems. This includes comprehending the unique OT environment’s problems and how to effectively use IT solutions.
This approach will help Australia to successfully transition to renewable energy while also protecting it from a growing number of cyberattacks.
