Australia is on a mission to become a more energy efficient nation.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency recently announced a $100 million initiative to explore and expand solar power capabilities. Other investments in energy storage, pumped hydro and low-carbon energy grids may prove equally important.
However, the country must also address an underlying challenge: integrating solid IT and software foundations into the OT environments that power the networks. Without these, Australia could struggle to fully realise its renewable energy ambitions.
The convergence of OT and IT
OT refers to hardware and software that detects or causes changes through the direct monitoring and control of physical devices, processes, and events in the enterprise. IT involves the use of systems, especially computers and telecommunications, to store, retrieve, and send information.
Traditionally, these two forms of technology have been kept fairly separate and managed independently. However, the integration of OT and IT is essential for the modernization of energy networks.
As IBM points out, there are four areas where this integration must be effective:
- Smart meters: Smart meters measure energy consumption in real time at the consumer end, providing detailed information about consumption patterns to both the consumer and the energy supplier.
- Sensors and automation devices: They are installed throughout the grid to monitor voltage, current, and load capacity, among other metrics. They can automatically adjust parameters to prevent overloads and extended large-scale blackouts.
- Communication networks: Communication networks, which are the backbone of any smart grid, facilitate the transmission of data between various components, including sensors, automated devices, and control centers. Transmission systems can be wired or wireless and use a variety of communication protocols and technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and 4G/5G.
- Software and analysis: Smart grids generate massive amounts of data. To manage, analyze, and interpret this data, utilities rely on advanced software and analytics tools. This software—and the information it provides—can help utilities predict demand patterns, identify potential problems, and optimize the distribution network.
The role of AI in energy management
AI is also playing an increasingly important role in sustainability efforts: some tech giants like Microsoft, Google and IBM are leveraging it to reduce climate damage.
These technologies, such as machine learning and data analytics, enable the smart grid to predict energy demand, optimize power distribution, and even anticipate potential failures before they occur.
AI-based energy management systems can also analyze large amounts of data from a variety of sources, such as weather forecasts, energy consumption patterns, and grid performance metrics. This analysis can help build systems that automate energy production and distribution, ensuring that supply meets demand efficiently.
Cybersecurity: a growing threat to renewable energy
Australia is at high risk of cyber threats via OT technology, impacting the country’s renewable ambitions. With 82% of organisations experiencing cyber attacks via OT systems, there is a growing risk of cyber attacks being introduced into Australia’s energy network as it becomes more digitalised.
The country is also increasingly reliant on a highly decentralised approach to energy, meaning the attack surface is much larger. For example, rooftop solar – solar panels installed on individual homes and businesses which 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 power grid has made the country a prime target for cybercriminals. The adoption of smart devices and IoT technologies in the energy sector has expanded the attack surface, making it easier for hackers to infiltrate and disrupt operations.
The need to increase investment in cybersecurity
For Australia to successfully harness renewable energy, it must establish strong IT foundations.
The Australian Energy Sector Cybersecurity Framework is a good regulatory measure that leverages successful frameworks, such as the US Department of Energy’s Electric Subsector Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model, and harmonizes it with Australian-specific control benchmarks, such as ACSC Essential 8.
However, it is also important that the IT channel (including IT professionals and service providers) and IT professionals bring the skills and knowledge needed to manage and protect integrated power systems. This includes understanding the unique challenges of OT environments and how to apply IT solutions effectively.
This strategy can enable Australia to achieve a transition to renewable energy that is not only successful but also secure against a growing number of cyber attacks.
