Security and resilience of energy infrastructure: an enquiry from the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST)

Developing resilient and secure energy infrastructure is essential to energy security, economic growth and Net Zero. As the energy system becomes increasingly reliant on renewable generation, interconnection, digital technologies and power-electronics-based infrastructure, new vulnerabilities are emerging. A whole-system approach must recognise interdependencies between energy networks, operational technologies, supply chains and wider critical infrastructure.

Digital technologies can strengthen resilience by improving visibility, scenario modelling and decision-making. However, digitalisation also increases the risk of cyber-attacks. The energy sector is an attractive target for cyber-attacks, creating the need for stronger cyber security measures, response planning, skills and security. AI misinformation and manipulation may add risks to energy operations and infrastructure management.

The UK's dependence on offshore energy assets, subsea cables, pipelines and telecommunications networks makes North Sea assets significant. Recent attacks on critical infrastructure highlight the need for enhanced monitoring, protection technologies and international cooperation.

Resilience should be embedded through asset management, networks, robust response and recovery planning, and regular testing against standards. Grid design must adapt to changing characteristics, including lower levels of inertia and greater reliance on renewables, energy storage and inverter-based technologies.

Recommendations

• Response plans: Stronger requirements for cyber security response plans. Cyber security is not just about prevention, but businesses should model their response in the event of a breach to identify weaknesses as a part of routine response planning. Further cyber security and resilience recommendations can be found in our position paper.
• Energy resilience: As the UK energy system becomes increasingly dependent on renewable generation, interconnection and power-electronics-based infrastructure, electricity system resilience, effective asset management, and security of supply becomes more important.
• Effective management: There needs to be appropriate and proactive management of critical assets, investment in network resilience, and enhanced protection of energy infrastructure to reduce the risk and impact of failures, outages and other disruptions