WindCyber: Advancing Cybersecurity for Offshore Wind Farm Digital Twins through Comprehensive Collaboration
The Netherlands is committed to derive all its energy from sustainable sources by 2050 and, around 2030, offshore wind farms will be supplying 75% of current electricity consumption. These farms are irreplaceable in satisfying the expanding global demand for clean, sustainable and renewable energy. They increasingly rely on digital twins as digital replicas of existing infrastructures used to predict operations, reduce risks and minimise costs.
However, the heightened digital connectivity of wind farms makes these digital twins susceptible to cyber threats that often go unnoticed, blending in with routine system irregularities. Digital attacks on wind farms, exemplified by the 2022 ransomware attack on the German company 'Nordex', are prevalent in the EU. Immediate action is imperative to address and mitigate such cybersecurity incidents.
The research project ‘WindCyber’ aims to investigate from both legal and technological perspectives the use of cybersecurity tools in digital twins, which are created within offshore wind farms infrastructures, with the objective of strengthening not only digital resilience of this sector but also comprehensive collaboration between experts in the field.
The project will bring together FSE and FL researchers active in the area of sustainable energy solutions and cybersecurity, study the most effective and legally compliant way of ensuring a high level of digital security in the use of digital twins and examine inherent perils associated with the adaptation of this technology. An extensive exchange of insights and skills will be facilitated between the applicants and their faculties and substantial efforts will be concentrated on networking engagements for all participants, including professionals from other faculties and external organisations.
Duration of the project
2024 - 2025
Awarded grant
6,000 euros, obtained from the UG Incentive Fund
Contact persons at our Faculty
Website with additional information
| Last modified: | 31 October 2024 2.33 p.m. |