ENCS and EDSO step up partnership to face emerging cybersecurity evolution and challenges in European smart grids
Building on two years of successful collaboration, this new step will boost technical excellence in the power distribution industry, promote efficient regulatory frameworks and provisions, and identify solid requirements for secure grids.
May 23, 2018
On 9 June 2016, EDSO and ENCS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the view of working together on knowledge exchange for security regulations, effective cyber security practices and standardisation for energy distribution companies.
This cooperation was a success and, in addition to its initial objective, it also led to the development of a solid trust relationship, a convergence in the membership base of the two organisations and a stronger global expertise of cybersecurity issues in the European distribution industry.
Confident that this cooperation could lead to further achievements, the two organisations decided in 2018 to establish an Addendum to this MoU, which opens a large potential for collaboration in areas such as security requirements, training, regulatory recommendations and validation & testing.
This evolutionary relationship is set to deliver a large array of contributions to cybersecurity in EU power grids, such security requirements jointly endorsed by EDSO and ENCS, high-level events, position papers, technical insights.
Anjos Nijk, Managing Director, ENCS: “Our collaboration with EDSO so far has been a great success. Protecting energy grids from cyber threats requires a trusted and collaborative community. That is what we aim to provide at ENCS and our work with EDSO on security regulations, standardisation and best practice for DSOs have benefited from our close collaboration. We are both network organisations, with the goal of helping our existing and new members across Europe keep their grids secure. This strengthened partnership will help us do exactly that.
“Throughout the EU, smart & digital electricity networks have become fundamental drivers towards decarbonised societies and economies. However, while digital components and systems represent key enablers, they also open the door for emerging cyber threats. DSOs have taken this risk very seriously and this renewed partnership is another evidence of our commitment to tackle this threat as our duty to the European citizens”, said EDSO’s Secretary General, Roberto Zangrandi.
About ENCS
The European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS) is a non-profit organization that brings together critical infrastructure stakeholders and security experts to deploy secure European critical energy grids and infrastructure. Founded in 2012, ENCS has dedicated researchers and test specialists who work with members and partners on applied research, defining technical security requirements, component and end-to-end testing, as well as education & training. ENCS uses its network in academia, government and business to provide cyber security solutions and counsel dedicated to the needs of national Distribution System Operators (DSO), Transport System Operators (TSOs) and regulators.
For more information about ENCS, please visit www.encs.eu
Contact person:
Name: Esther van Velzen
Position: Office Manager
Email: esther.vanvelzen@encs.eu
About EDSO
European Distribution System Operators for Smart Grids (EDSO) is a corporate-based European association that gathers 36 leading electricity distribution system operators (DSOs), including 2 associations, from 20 European countries. Through EDSO’s activities on electricity distribution-related technologies, policies and projects, its members cooperate to ensure the reliability of Europe’s electricity supply for customers and enable their active participation in the European power system. In short, EDSO is shaping smarter grids for your and Europe’s future.
For more information about EDSO, please visit www.edsoforsmartgrids.eu
Contact person:
Name: Florian Gonzalez
Position: Communications and Projects Officer
Email: florian.gonzalez@ry0xyteif.preview.infomaniak.website
