Power and Energy

The convergence of automation and security stands as a cornerstone in the evolution of digital substations, which has enhanced efficiency, reliability, and performance. However, the proliferation of digital solutions also introduces new challenges, particularly in ensuring the robust security of critical infrastructure.

 

 

The world has an energy problem as fossil fuels are running out and it is necessary to transition from fossil fuel dependence to renewable and clean energy, creating a cleaner and greener world. The energy and utility industry, from the utility of water, district heating, or power, has many challenges ahead.

Growing urbanization rising energy demand and increasing costs have further motivated the power sector to utilize their electrical system capabilities more efficiently and smartly – toward smart substation transformation.  The three main challenges of grid modernization are climate change driving extreme weather events impacting electrical grid changes, increased risk of cyberattacks on grid infrastructure, and high penetration of renewable energy sources which increases power flow complexities.

With technological advances in Internet of things (IoT) and big data analytics, digital information technology (IT) systems are rapidly integrating with operational technology (OT) systems, merging business processes, insights and controls into a single uniform environment, to accelerate improving productivity, streamlining workflows, and increasing bottom lines for industries including manufacturing, utility, transportation, communications, medical and retail.

Substations are the hearts of the power grid, enabling the complex process of transmission and distribution of electricity. Increasing new loads and maintaining system reliability while reducing machinery and labor costs is a continuous challenge for substation managers. A digital substation can help reduce costs, increase system reliability, and even integrate into eco-friendly power initiatives.

The IoT-based energy-saving and power monitoring solution helps tackle the challenges of maintaining steady power usage across machines, circuits, plant zones, or entire industrial plants, campuses, or office buildings. The smart energy monitoring system tracks energy usage at different levels, which also helps optimize energy consumption and identify machine failures.

Our modern society is highly dependent on energy, everything from light and heat in our homes to the massive data centers that support the internet. With the growing complexity of the electrical system and the rise in the number of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), modern power substations require a high degree of automation and data communication network management to ensure the reliability of supply and efficient operation.

Ransomware is the new omnipresent cybersecurity threat to manufacturing – all security attacks that took down automation operations since 2020 were targeted ransomware. Ransomware is a threat to manufacturers as it can halt production and disrupt day-to-day operations. With the digital transformation of the manufacturing process, cyber risk management and cyber risks are constantly changing as threat landscapes and attack surfaces expand, requiring security visibility into all IT, OT, and IoT systems across all facilities.

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