(392c) Keynote Talk: Technology Development for Cybersecure Fossil Power Generation

Distributed sensor networks, secure sensor data transmission, and automated controls are key elements to better power plant flexibility, performance, and reliability. The prevalence of wireless sensors is likely to increase dramatically, supported by Internet of Things (IOT) infrastructure, and driven by a need to use data analytics approaches for condition-based monitoring and fault detection to reduce forced outages, extend asset life, and maximize plant productivity. Additionally, many utilities are leveraging a centralized monitoring and diagnostic approach, either in-house or through a vendor service, aggregating data streams associated with many power plants requiring remote access to plant data. These technologies need to be developed and integrated in a manner that doesn’t create additional system vulnerabilities – particularly related to cybersecurity. The National Energy Technology Laboratory is sponsoring research on behalf of the US Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy to identify and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities related to fossil-based power generation. A review of preliminary cybersecurity vulnerabilities will be presented along with an update on pertinent cybersecurity R&D underway.