Australia is striving to become a more energy-efficient nation. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency recently announced a $100 million effort to research and develop solar energy technologies. Further investments in energy storage, pumped hydro, and low-carbon systems may be equally substantial.
However, the nation must also address an underlying issue: the integration of solid IT and software foundations into the OT systems that power the grids. Without these, Australia may struggle to fully meet its renewable energy goals.
Combination of IT and OT
OT refers to software and hardware that identifies or creates changes in the enterprise by directly monitoring and controlling physical devices, processes, and events. IT refers to the use of systems, particularly computers and telecommunications, to store, retrieve, and transmit information.
Traditionally, these two types of technology have been kept segregated and controlled separately. However, the combination of OT and IT is critical for the modernisation of energy networks. According to IBM, the integration must be effective in four areas:
Smart meters: It detects energy usage in real time at the consumer's end, delivering comprehensive consumption patterns to both the consumer and the energy provider.
Sensors and automation devices: These are used across the grid to monitor voltage, current, and load capacity, among other metrics. They can automatically alter parameters to avoid overloads and long-term, large-scale outages.
Communication networks: As the backbone of any smart grid, communication networks enable data transmission between diverse components such as sensors, automated devices, and control centres. Transmission systems can be wired or wireless, and can use a variety of protocols and communication technologies, including Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and 4G/5G.
Software and analytics: Smart grids generate vast volumes of data. Utility companies use complex software and analytics technologies to handle, analyse, and interpret this data. This software, and the data it gives, can assist providers in predicting demand patterns, identifying potential concerns, and optimising the distribution network.
Cyber threats
Australia is at serious risk of facing cyber threats via OT technology, which will have an impact on the country's renewable energy aspirations. With 82% of organisations suffering cyber attacks via OT systems, there is an increasing risk being brought into Australia's electricity grid as it digitalises.
The country is also becoming more reliant on a highly decentralised energy approach, which increases the attack surface significantly. Rooftop solar, for example, consists of solar panels installed on individual homes and businesses that are then connected to the grid via IoT devices, software, and digital technologies. This has contributed to 40% of Australia's energy being supplied by renewable sources.
Need to increase investment
For Australia to sustainably harness renewable energy, it must lay solid IT foundations. The Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework is a positive regulatory step that builds on successful frameworks like the U.S. Department of Energy's Electricity Subsector Cybersecurity Capability Maturing Model and aligns it with Australian-specific control references like the ACSC Essential 8.
However, the IT channel, which includes IT professionals and service providers, as well as IT experts, must bring the skills and expertise required to manage and protect integrated energy systems. This includes knowing the particular issues of OT environments as well as how to effectively implement IT solutions.
This strategy can help Australia achieve a renewable energy transition that is both successful and secure against an increasing number of cyber threats.