News, Events, Publications, Social Media

16.08.2024

Cyber alarm in the solar industry?

In fact, the modules are generally considered to be less susceptible to external disruptions than, for example, wind turbines. However, cyberattacks are still possible, as an ethical hack in the Netherlands now seems to have proven.

In particular, the converters connected to the internet could provide a gateway for hacker attacks. The industry is therefore calling for more robust cybersecurity regulations for decentralized energy sources.

This is because the EU has so far been poorly prepared for a concerted attack on its energy infrastructure. This was also recently noted by the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, which identified solar modules as a potential weak point. Particularly critical here is China’s clear dominance in the global supply chain.
It’s no surprise that the European solar industry, which has recently come under considerable pressure, is now calling for modules to be classified as a critical product. Cybersecurity could be a powerful argument to win back market share.

However, such a warning should not just be dismissed as a strategic move by the domestic industry. The risk of cyberattacks by foreign states or terrorist groups is growing. And energy supply is an extremely sensitive issue. For the sake of energy security, there should be no way around stricter scrutiny in the future. Because friendly hacks are unlikely to be the end of it. 
Please read more here: https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/hacker-shines-spotlight-on-vulnerability-of-solar-panels-installed-in-europe/

Post in German

Contact

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Climate and Social Justice

Cours Saint Michel 30e
1040 Brussels, Belgium
+32 23 29 30 33
justclimate(at)fes.de

About us

Team & Contact

Stay in touch!


Publications