Anna Forrester
The Energy Department has awarded the University of Arkansas and the University of Illinois $34.7 million in grants to develop technologies for the defense of U.S. energy critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.
DOE said Friday the universities will conduct research and development activities in support of efforts to secure the electric grid and other energy delivery systems.
“Cybersecurity is one of the most serious challenges facing grid modernization, which is why maintaining a robust, ever-growing pipeline of cutting-edge technologies is essential to helping the energy sector continue adapting to the evolving landscape,” said Patricia Hoffman, assistant secretary of DOE’s office of electricity delivery and energy reliability.
The University of Arkansas will work with its partners, including Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Corp., as part of a grant worth $12.2 million with a $3.06 million recipient cost-share.
The University of Illinois and its Cyber Resilient Energy Delivery Consortium will work on a separate project worth $22.5 million with a $5.6 million recipient cost-share.
DOE said the teams will perform research, development, evaluation, testing, education, outreach and technology transition to the energy sector as part of the program.
