The solar panels in Europe have been revealed to be vulnerable to cyber attacks, a shocking discovery brought to light by a Dutch white hat hacker. This revelation has sent ripples of concern through the industry, prompting calls for stricter safety measures.
Traditionally, wind turbines were thought to be the more susceptible to external interference due to their complex networking and numerous sensors. However, this Dutch hacker has shattered that perception by seizing control of millions of smart solar panel systems through a cleverly hidden backdoor.
A 2023 report from a Dutch agency had already flagged the converters, crucial components of solar panels that facilitate the conversion of electricity for the power grid, as easy targets for hackers. These converters are typically connected to the internet, making them prime targets for cyber attacks. The vulnerability of these components has raised significant alarm within industry circles.
European industry association SolarPower Europe has demanded stricter cybersecurity protocols for distributed energy sources following this eye-opening breach. With the share of solar power in the European grid steadily increasing to 9% in 2023, the potential for a cyberattack on solar panels has likewise grown.
The deputy CEO of SolarPower Europe, Dries Acke, emphasized the need for rigorous monitoring of centrally coordinated devices such as aggregated rooftop solar installations. He suggested that these devices should be subjected to stringent oversight at either the EU or national level.
The EU’s cybersecurity agency has also sounded the alarm, warning that the union is unprepared for an attack on its energy infrastructure. Whether from a foreign state or a malevolent insider, the consequences of such an attack could be catastrophic.
The industry’s concerns are further compounded by China’s dominant role in the supply chain for solar panels. There are mounting calls for solar panels to be classified as critical products, subject to rigorous assessments to shore up their security.
These concerns go beyond safeguarding the energy infrastructure and tie into the EU’s efforts to support its burgeoning solar industry. The industry hopes to leverage cybersecurity as grounds for preferential treatment, enabling them to compete more effectively against Chinese rivals.
As Dries Acke aptly puts it, “Europe must learn from its recent lessons in energy security and carve a secure path forward.” The urgency is clear for the EU to implement an Electrification Action Plan that encompasses forward-looking cyber requirements. It is imperative to take these vulnerabilities seriously and ensure that Europe’s energy sources are indeed safe and secure.
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