Texas, known as the nation’s leader in wind energy, continues to see the construction of new wind turbines across the state. One particular wind project has recently sparked controversy, drawing the attention of Senator John Cornyn. In July, Cornyn sent a letter to the Department of Defense, urging the agency to deny or suspend the environmental permit for a wind farm in Val Verde County, a rural area located on the southern border of the state.
The project in question is backed by a Chinese billionaire named Sun Guangxin, who has close ties to the country’s Communist Party. The proximity of the wind farm to Laughlin Air Force Base has raised concerns for Cornyn, who believes that the energy development poses a significant threat to national security.
To gain more insight into the cybersecurity challenges posed by renewable energy projects like wind farms, the Texas Standard spoke with Megan Culler, a power engineer and researcher based in El Paso at the Idaho National Laboratory. In the interview, Culler discusses the unique digital threats associated with renewable energy infrastructure and the importance of cybersecurity measures in protecting the grid and other critical infrastructure.
Digital Threats in the Energy Sector
When asked about the differences between digital threats to the grid and other infrastructure compared to common cyber threats like credit card information theft or phishing scams, Culler highlights the increasing use of digital technologies in the energy sector. She explains that renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, often rely on remote connectivity due to their geographic locations in rural or remote areas.
Moreover, the digitization of the grid through technologies like smart grids has made energy infrastructure more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Culler emphasizes the potential for cyber adversaries to exploit these digital technologies, posing a serious threat to the stability and security of the energy grid.
Impact of Physical Proximity on Security
In discussing the importance of physical proximity in relation to security, Culler explains that the geographic location of a wind farm in relation to critical infrastructure like military bases or hospitals may influence the potential consequences of a cyber attack. While proximity to critical loads could increase the severity of the impact, Culler notes that the likelihood of an attack does not necessarily depend on the physical distance between the assets.
Texas’ Independent Energy Grid
Texas’ independent energy grid sets it apart from the rest of the country, raising questions about its vulnerability to cyber attacks. Culler breaks down cybersecurity risks into categories of adversary or threat, consequence, and vulnerability, emphasizing that the grid’s independence does not inherently make it more vulnerable. However, she acknowledges that the lack of regional support from a larger grid could affect the consequences of a cyber attack on Texas’ energy infrastructure.
Protecting Renewable Energy Assets
As Texas continues to expand its wind and solar energy industries, Culler highlights the importance of cybersecurity measures for private operators feeding into the grid. She emphasizes the need for good cyber hygiene practices, such as securing assets behind firewalls and using virtual private networks (VPNs) for remote connections.
Culler suggests that wind and solar operators should prioritize specific cybersecurity considerations based on the nature of their assets. For instance, wind turbines spread out across remote locations may require enhanced physical protection and remote device-monitoring policies to detect potential cyber threats.
Advancements in Grid Security
While discussing the progress made in enhancing grid security, Culler acknowledges the challenges posed by the increasing reliance on digital connectivity in the energy sector. She notes that cybersecurity solutions have been developed to address emerging vulnerabilities and mitigate the consequences of cyber attacks on the grid.
Moving Forward
The conversation with Megan Culler sheds light on the cybersecurity challenges facing wind and solar farms in Texas and beyond. As renewable energy projects continue to expand, it is crucial for operators to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the resilience of the energy grid.
In Conclusion
The cybersecurity challenges posed by wind and solar farms in Texas highlight the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and prevent potential cyber threats. As the energy sector continues to evolve with the adoption of renewable energy technologies, it is essential for operators to prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard the grid and ensure the reliability and security of the energy supply.
