The International Energy Agency (IEA) has expressed concern over the cyber threat to the power sector and suggested strengthening cyber resilience measures and making them a central part of the planning and operation of power systems amid the COVID-19 crisis.
The recommendations came through a report titled: "Power Systems in Transition" published at the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference on System Integration of Renewables organized by the IEA and Singapore government recently.
According to the report, the importance of electricity is only set to increase in the years ahead, calling for a more comprehensive approach to electricity security to meet evolving challenges such as cyber threats, extreme weather events, and rapidly growing shares of variable electricity generation from wind and solar.
Responding to the IEA report, an official at the North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL) said the government has already directed them to take necessary steps to ensure maximum cybersecurity in the power sector.
The NWPGCL has already adopted security measures in all power plants operated by them, according to him.
In pathways toward meeting international energy and climate goals, such as the IEA Sustainable Development Scenario, the trend will accelerate.
