Energy Department announces funding opportunity for energy sector cybersecurity

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) made Monday a $25 million funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for research, development and demonstration (RD&D) of innovations that advance cyber resilient energy delivery systems.

“Energy cybersecurity is a national priority that demands the next wave of advanced technologies to create more secure and resilient systems needed for America’s future prosperity, vitality, and energy independence,” Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said.

The DOE Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability’s Cybersecurity for Energy Delivery Systems (CEDS) program will seek applications under the FAO in five areas: Redesign for Cyber-resilient Architecture – Electric and Oil and Natural Gas (ONG) Subsectors; Cybersecurity for the ONG Environment; Cybersecure Communications; Cybersecure Cloud-based Technologies in the Operation Technology (OT) Environment; and Innovative Technologies that Enhance Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector.

“This FOA builds on DOE’s efforts with the private sector toward improving the security of the Nation’s critical energy infrastructure, and reducing the risk of a cyber incident that could disrupt energy delivery,” DOE said in a press release announcing the funding. “It will expand the development and adoption of energy technologies that will help ensure a more secure, resilient, and reliable electricity system.”

To be accepted, projects must conclude with a demonstration of the technology at a relevant end-user site, include a strategy for adoption by the energy industry and be interoperable, scalable and readily manageable. Interested parties can submit applications until June 18.