The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding opportunity of up to $70 million, aimed at supporting research into technologies that will strengthen resilience and minimize risks to energy delivery infrastructure. The DOE's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) will oversee the All-Hazards Energy Resilience program, which is designed to address potential future challenges and safeguard energy distribution.
The All-Hazards Energy Resilience program seeks to protect against a variety of hazards, including cyber threats, physical risks, natural disasters, and climate-related extreme weather events. Open to a broad range of stakeholders - from public and private sectors to universities and the DOE's National Laboratories - the competitive funding opportunity aims to advance innovative solutions for enhancing the resilience of America's energy systems. According to a press release by the DOE, the topics include cybersecurity, climate and wildfire mitigation, physical security, as well as university-based research and development. The program particularly focuses on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in an effort to improve the cyber and cyber-physical security posture of the electric sector.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm stated in a DOE press release: "Making smart investments in America’s energy systems today is essential to ensuring they’re more reliable and resilient against tomorrow’s threats while also reaching President Biden’s ambitious clean energy and climate goals." She added: "As we build our clean energy future, these investments will help save money in the long run by identifying and developing innovative solutions that ensure our nation’s energy infrastructure can withstand emerging threats and the challenges of a changing world."
CESER is tasked with safeguarding national energy infrastructure with a focus on preparedness and response to evolving threats - particularly cyber risks. Through strategic R&D investments as well as collaboration with National Labs and industry partners, CESER enhances monitoring tools and capabilities. The office also coordinates strategies with the energy sector and conducts exercises for improved preparedness. In the event of incidents, CESER facilitates coordinated responses, leveraging federal capabilities to mitigate energy disruptions, according to information provided on the CESER webpage by the DOE.
