As Europe accelerates its transition to renewable energy, the wind industry is a key part of this shift. This ambitious target and rapid expansion of the sector brings significant cybersecurity challenges, particularly due to the increasing reliance on non-EU technologies and investments within European wind turbine projects.
Raising concerns with non-EU infrastructure
Non-EU companies are playing a more prominent role in the European wind energy market, providing advanced technology and competitive pricing which appeals to European developers. Non-EU wind turbine manufacturers now dominate global market share, and this dominance has led to increased scrutiny over the use of non-EU technology in European projects. For instance, Germany’s recent deal involving non-EU wind turbines for a major offshore project in the North Sea has raised concerns about potential cybersecurity risks [1]. The introduction of non-EU technology into critical infrastructure presents multiple risks, including potential backdoors into control systems, vulnerabilities in software, and the risk of data exfiltration.
This situation is further complicated by the fact that wind turbines, as critical infrastructure, are not automatically subject to the stringent non-EU direct investment (FDI) screenings applied to other sectors. This regulatory gap leaves room for increased risks, especially when non-EU manufacturers supply key components or infrastructure that could be exploited for cyberattacks or data breaches.
Cybersecurity threats of wind farms
As wind farms increasingly adopt interconnected operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems, their exposure to cybersecurity risks grows significantly irrespective of their source. Remote access mechanisms, essential for maintenance and operation, create potential vulnerabilities if not properly secured. Researchers from the University of Tulsa highlighted this risk, demonstrating that it took less than a minute of lock-picking on an unsupervised turbine door to access an unsecured server. This breach enabled the researcher to connect laptops via the turbine's server, instantly accessing the IP addresses of every turbine in the network, and highlighting the potential vulnerabilities inherent in wind farms.
The rise of renewable wind energy has seen onshore installations grow by 14.3%, and offshore installations by 101% in 2017, compared to 2016. This is likely to make these assets increasingly attractive targets for malicious actors. Threats to wind energy infrastructure are only going to rise in parallel with its growth
Beyond remote access vulnerabilities, physical security is another concern. Poorly secured wind farm sites may also allow attackers to manipulate hardware directly, while software vulnerabilities could be used to interfere with turbine operation remotely. The research shows a clear risk of significant breaches, highlighting the importance of strong cybersecurity measures. The complexity of wind farms' supply chains also adds risk, especially when sourcing equipment from non-EU suppliers that may not meet strict European cybersecurity standards. As more international manufacturers become involved, supply chain vulnerabilities become a key focus for reducing risks.
Supply chain vulnerabilities
The integration of non-EU equipment into Europe’s renewable wind industry also has the potential to introduce significant cybersecurity risks throughout the supply chain. Wind turbines and their associated infrastructure rely heavily on complex networks of hardware and software components. With the current reliance on non-EU manufacturers, concerns have been raised about the potential for supply chain vulnerabilities to be exploited, impacting Europe's data and cyber security.
One of the primary concerns with non-EU-made equipment is the potential for vendor-installed remote access mechanisms. These mechanisms are often intended for legitimate purposes, such as maintenance and troubleshooting, but they can also be exploited for malicious activities. A manufacturer from a country with a strong state control over its enterprises could be compelled to insert backdoors into the systems they produce. If these backdoors are discovered and exploited by malicious actors, they could provide a direct path into the core operational systems of Europe's energy infrastructure, leading to data breaches, system malfunctions, or even large-scale energy blackouts.
Additionally, non-EU-made equipment might not always comply with European cybersecurity standards and regulations. Many non-EU manufacturers operate under regulatory frameworks that differ significantly from those in Europe. As a result, the equipment might lack adequate security features or fail to meet stringent security certification requirements. This gap introduces vulnerabilities and complicates efforts to enforce security policies uniformly across the industry.
As Europe integrates more non-EU technology into its critical infrastructure, there is an increasing risk that these systems could become targets for cyberattacks by non-EU threat actors. State-sponsored cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, which pose significant risks to national security and public safety.
While non-EU-made equipment poses clear cybersecurity risks to Europe's wind energy infrastructure, it is important to recognise that EU-manufactured equipment is not immune to vulnerabilities. Both non-EU and EU systems can introduce weaknesses, whether through design flaws, misconfigurations, or inadequate security measures. Organisations must therefore adopt comprehensive cybersecurity practices and ensure rigorous assessments are carried out across the supply chain, regardless of where the equipment originates.
The future of wind farms: Cyber-physical systems and emerging technology
The future of wind farms is becoming increasingly influenced by the digital revolution, with new technologies for turbine monitoring and control gaining ground. Smart wind turbines leverage big data and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and performance, improving forecasting and enabling automatic adjustments like pitch and yaw control. These advancements maximise energy output and also significantly reduce unexpected maintenance costs, which account for more than half of total expenses. (cutting maintenance costs by 20% and boosting power output by 5% feeds directly into investors returns). With better predictive analytics, these systems can monitor wear and tear, helping to plan maintenance and extend the lifespan of wind farms.
However, growing connectivity and reliance on digital tools also increase the risk of cyber threats. While the integration of technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI brings many benefits, it also opens new vulnerabilities that could be targeted by threat actors. The reliance on advanced monitoring and control systems may provide entry points for cyber-attacks, potentially disrupting operations or compromising energy generation. As the wind energy sector continues to expand, it is essential to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against these emerging risks. Investing in cybersecurity is critical not only to safeguard operational efficiency but also to maintain public trust in wind energy as a reliable source of power. As such, prioritising cybersecurity in the digital transformation of wind farms will be vital to ensure that the benefits of innovation do not come at the expense of security.
Implications of the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act
The European Union's Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) is a key part of the EU’s Green Deal Industrial Plan, focused on increasing the EU’s ability to produce clean technologies. The purpose of the Act is to boost the production of technologies that are essential for the clean energy transition and have very low, zero, or even negative greenhouse gas emissions. By aiming for the EU to meet at least 40% of its own technology needs by 2030, the NZIA supports the EU’s 2030 climate and energy goals and the long-term aim of climate neutrality by 2050. It also seeks to reduce dependence on non-EU suppliers, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and support energy independence.
For the wind energy sector, the NZIA has far-reaching implications. The Act requires that public auctions offering support for renewable energy projects must include cybersecurity provisions. This is particularly relevant for wind energy projects that rely on components and technology from non-EU suppliers. Although specific cybersecurity requirements have not yet been detailed, this new mandate demonstrates the EU’s intention to address the increasing cyber risks associated with critical infrastructure.
As wind turbine components are not traditionally considered frontier technology with implications for defence and security, they often bypass the rigorous screening applied under Non-EU Direct Investment (FDI) legislation in most Western countries. However, the NZIA’s focus on cybersecurity could lead to tougher oversight of non-EU-made equipment used in these projects. This shift will impact companies investing in EU wind turbine projects, as they will need to ensure compliance with forthcoming regulations that may require higher cybersecurity standards and potentially restrict the use of certain non-EU technologies.
What should investors consider?
With the introduction of the NZIA, investors in the wind energy sector in the EU must navigate a changing regulatory landscape. With emphasis on cybersecurity and the potential for increased scrutiny of non-EU technology, investors should therefore consider several things:
Proactive cybersecurity measures
Investors should anticipate the forthcoming cybersecurity requirements by implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks in their projects now. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments of all technology and components, particularly those sourced from non-EU suppliers, to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Early adoption of best practices will help ensure compliance with future regulations and protect investments from cyber threats.
Supply chain reassessment
With the NZIA likely to influence the scrutiny of non-EU technology in the wind energy sector, investors should consider their supply chains and whether to minimise reliance on non-EU suppliers, per the NZIA. Diversifying sources and considering European manufacturers could reduce the risk of disruption and align projects with the EU’s strategic objectives under the NZIA, and thus introduce a competitive advantage (but at what cost?).
Engagement with regulatory bodies
Specific requirements under the NZIA have yet to be defined, but investors should actively engage with EU regulatory bodies and industry associations to stay informed about regulatory developments, and potentially influence the shaping of cybersecurity standards that will directly impact their projects.
Long-term strategic partnerships
Forming alliances with European technology providers, research institutions, and cybersecurity firms could be advantageous for investors, potentially providing them with access to cutting-edge innovations, ensuring that their projects are not only compliant with EU regulations but also at the forefront of the wind energy industry’s technological advancements.
Risk management and compliance
Investors must develop comprehensive risk management strategies that account for the evolving regulatory landscape. This includes preparing for potential geopolitical risks associated with the use of non-EU technology plus ensuring that all aspects of their projects, from supply chain to operational security, comply with the upcoming cybersecurity standards set out by the NZIA.
Conclusion
As Europe moves closer to its renewable energy goals, the wind industry is confronted with increasing cybersecurity challenges related to non-EU technology. The growing reliance on equipment from non-EU manufacturers raises concerns about vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure. The EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) aims to address these risks by incorporating cybersecurity conditions into renewable energy projects, signalling a shift in regulatory focus. Investors and stakeholders in the wind sector must take proactive steps to enhance their cybersecurity measures, reassess supply chains, and establish partnerships with trusted technology providers.
Emphasising cybersecurity will protect investments whilst also ensuring the resilience of Europe’s energy infrastructure in the face of rising threats. By prioritising security in their operations, stakeholders can contribute to building a robust and secure wind energy sector, capable of supporting Europe’s energy targets while safeguarding against cyber risks. Staying ahead of potential vulnerabilities will be essential for maintaining the integrity and reliability of wind energy as a fundamental element of Europe’s energy transition.
