Department of Energy Allocates $45 Mn to Protect US Energy Infra From Cyber Threats

The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated US$45 million for cybersecurity research aimed at strengthening the energy industry against cybersecurity threats.

The funds will be divided among six projects across six states which will help develop new cybersecurity tools and technologies designed to reduce cyber risks and strengthen the resilience of U.S. energy systems. The systems include the power grid, electric utilities, pipelines, and renewable energy generation sources like wind or solar.

“DOE is committed to strengthening the nation’s energy sector, including protecting it against current or emerging cyber threats that would threaten Americans’ access to secure, reliable energy. With today’s announcement, the Biden-Harris Administration is helping teams across the country develop innovative next-generation cybersecurity solutions for tackling modern day challenges,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in a statement. 

Cyber attacks pose a significant threat to the consistent supply of energy to American households, businesses, and communities. This investment aims to tackle a diverse array of present and future cyber threats confronting energy systems from generation to distribution. 

Prioritizing cybersecurity investments is pivotal in realizing the U.S. government's clean energy and climate objectives.

Last month, the DoE revealed its pivotal involvement in the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot. Ted by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the pilot will work towards establishing a communal national research infrastructure. Its objective is to furnish researchers and students with extensive access to computational resources, high-caliber data, educational aids, and user assistance to propel AI research and innovation. 

As a participant in the pilot, the DOE will contribute computational resources to researchers, leveraging its extensive AI expertise accumulated over decades.