Southern California Regional Energy Network’s Post

Initial Currents: AGI Setting Course for a Perfect Cyber Storm in DER WattClarity's "SA Islanding: Managing solar on the island" by Blake Ashton [1] spotlights SA Power Networks Flexible Exports for DER, including rooftop PV, and the many benefits it provides to their customers and more importantly traditional SA network security. It also brings to the forefront our thinking on the securing of DER against Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) risks, both known and more importantly, unknown. AGI's Role in DER Systems - AGI integration in DER presents both efficiency gains, and system security benefits and risks. It's crucial to balance AGI's optimisation capabilities with potential vulnerabilities. Containment in AGI-Dominated DER - Containment strategies focus on limiting AGI-related cybersecurity threats in DER. This involves diverse measures to mitigate potential impacts while acknowledging challenges in completely preventing AGI risks. Learning from History, Preparing for Future - Past infrastructure failures, like South Australia's 2016 blackout, show the severity of physical breakdowns. AGI introduces digital threats that could have broader consequences in DER systems. Diverse Defence in DER - To combat AGI threats, DER systems need diverse defence mechanisms, including varied and diversified hardware, communication and control systems. This ensures resilience against sophisticated AGI threats. Regulatory and Collaborative Measures - Addressing AGI in DER requires strict cybersecurity measures, supported by policies promoting technological diversity. Collaborative efforts across sectors are vital for developing effective containment strategies. Proactive Measures and Continuous Innovation - Regular training and understanding AGI's potential risks are essential in DER management. Ongoing research and innovation are necessary to stay as close as possible to AGI advancements and "The Coming Wave" [2]. AGI in DER, highlighted by SA Power Networks initiative, presents challenges and opportunities which they and our industry are addressing. This first step should "wake" us all to educate ourselves on containment strategies encompassing cybersecurity, regulatory and infrastructure diversity. A collaborative effort is crucial for effectively managing these emerging threats. Collective foresight and adaptability are key in leveraging AGI's benefits while securing our energy infrastructure. [1] SA Islanding: Managing solar on the island - Wattclarity (Fri 01 Dec 2023) .. https://lnkd.in/gk9ySJBg [2] The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma by Mustafa Suleyman and Michael Bhaskar (Tue 05 Sep 2023) .. https://lnkd.in/gZV7qTmz #ArtificialGeneralIntelligence #EnergySecurity #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfEnergy #Cybersecurity #DER #SAPN #AEMO

With Energy Ministers agreeing to develop a National Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Roadmap - if we are to actually plan for the future LLM/AGI integration will need to be front and centre.

[Note to Future Self: TL;DR] The Gorilla and Elephant in Our Energy Room: Navigating the Dual Benefits and Threats of Rooftop PV and Cybersecurity In the evolving landscape of distributed energy resources (DER), two forces are making their presence felt, though one much more than the other. The first, a metaphorical noisey 'gorilla' [1], the rapid expansion and influence of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, is reshaping our electricity markets. The second, a deftly quiet 'elephant' [2], represents the burgeoning cybersecurity threats, especially in the context of the diffusion of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) into society. The Gorilla: Rooftop PV's Market Influence Rooftop PV has grown into a formidable player in Australia's energy markets. By 2026, it's projected that Rooftop PV will generate as much power as coal generators during peak daytime hours. This shift is forcing a reevaluation of our reliance on traditional coal and gas power plants. Our transition isn't without its challenges. As Tristan Edis points out in his article, "Beware crude controls on rooftop solar systems" [1], there's a delicate balance to be struck in integrating these systems with existing energy infrastructures. The concern is not just about grid stability, but also about ensuring that investments in solar, batteries, & electric vehicles are not undermined by overly restrictive controls. The Elephant: Cybersecurity in the Age of AGI The second challenge is cybersecurity, a concern highlighted in a recent post [2] about controlling Rooftop PV systems. The diffusion of AGI into society and DER systems presents both opportunities for efficiency gains and risks of system vulnerabilities. As we've seen with initiatives like SA Power Networks Flexible Exports for DER [3], these technologies bring benefits but also expose our energy systems to new kinds of digital threats known & unknown [2]. The key lies in developing containment strategies that mitigate AGI-related cybersecurity threats while acknowledging the challenges in completely preventing them. This calls for a diverse defence approach in DER systems, including varied hardware, communication, and control systems, to build resilience against sophisticated AGI threats. Merging the Metaphors: A Call for Balanced Innovation The "consumer energy resources road map" introduced in the recent communique by Australia's energy ministers is a crucial step towards addressing both the gorilla & the elephant. We all need to work beyond self-interests to harness the benefits of rooftop PV while safeguarding our systems against the emerging system risks and digital threats. 1. Beware crude controls on rooftop solar systems: https://lnkd.in/gtKmcT_Y 2. Initial Currents: AGI Setting Course for a Perfect Cyber Storm in DER: https://lnkd.in/gsNPmW6H 3. SA Islanding: Managing solar on the island: https://lnkd.in/gaYrMfWt #AGI #RooftopPV #EnergySecurity #FutureOfEnergy #Cybersecurity #DER #AEMO

Greensburg: From Tragedy to Clean Energy Leadership On May 4, 2007, a devastating tornado struck Greensburg, Kansas, destroying most of the town. While some homes on the outskirts were salvageable, the town's core was left in ruins. Amidst the debris, the 1,400 residents faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and community. Rather than simply restore what was lost, Greensburg chose to reinvent itself as a pioneer in clean energy. With guidance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a division of the Department of Energy, residents and businesses learned about the long-term savings of energy-efficient upgrades like heat pumps, solar panels, and efficient windows. Many took this advice to heart, focusing on energy efficiency and tornado-resistant construction. Today, Greensburg is a model of sustainability: Wind Energy: Ten wind turbines generate 100% of the town's electricity. Solar Power: Numerous buildings are equipped with solar panels. LED Lighting: The town installed LED streetlights, a cutting-edge technology at the time that is now widespread. Greensburg’s story is a testament to resilience and innovation, turning a disaster into an opportunity for sustainable growth and energy independence. Check out the Yale Climate Connections article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/erxw3Fce #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Resilience #EnergyEfficiency #Greensburg #Innovation #CommunityRebuilding Britt Corsi Promise Nwogu Tim Montague John Conlon Marie EKEDY Eva Fagerlund Sushobhan Mahanty Maria Bries NXTGEN Clean Energy Solutions

First expansion of the WEM, and the first sign of trouble... (sorry, behind a paywall again). Turns out that the construction of the 29km Malaga-Neerabup powerline announced late last year (remember this is the "easy stuff", the low hanging fruit), will clear will clear more than 150 hectares of bush including high-quality habitat for Carnaby’s black cockatoos. The plan will clear over 70 hectares of native vegetation, including parts of four different Bush Forever Sites, banksia woodland and a Conservation Category Wetland. This is according to documents released by the Environmental Protection Authority. You would think that #WesternPower would do better than this on approvals for the first #SWISDA project - a "priority project" that the ERA do not get to approve - only the Energy Minister. The tone will be set based on how Whitby juggles this first conflicting decision as both Minister for Energy and Minister for the Environment... https://lnkd.in/gD-7zyTE #WEM

Hey, Tarrant County! In honor of #EarthDay, here's a tip from your State Farm agent: Consider the installation of energy-efficient windows. Not only can they help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home during the summer, but they also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Learn more at the link below. https://lnkd.in/grnwvUfd

On face value looks like high potential for over heating with that amount of glazing.

Join us TODAY for our small business webinar on energy management! Our panel of speakers will highlight opportunities, programs, grants, and actions that small businesses can use to better manage their energy loads. We will also highlight programs and resources your business can start using today. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g3CDw_39 #EnergyManagement #CUBWI #EducationalWebinar

How can local building departments foster resilient communities by implementing and enforcing efficiency, energy safety codes? Efficiency, energy and safety codes play a crucial role in fostering resilient communities across the country. Many jurisdictions have implemented effective strategies to enhance resilience in the face of various challenges. These strategies often include the adoption and enforcement of stringent building codes that prioritize energy efficiency and safety. By adhering to current codes, regions can better withstand environmental and safety risks. Additionally, community education and outreach programs play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of resilience and encouraging compliance with established codes. Overall, a comprehensive approach that integrates efficient building practices, energy conservation measures and robust safety codes contributes to the creation of #resilient communities nationwide. For a deeper dive into these topics and more, listen to experts from across the country in this recorded webinar on Efficiency, Energy and Safety Codes: What Is Working Around the County to Foster Resilient Communities ⬇

South Africa and Embedded Generation - i.e. passing on excess Solar energy during the day to the grid (i.e. Eskom). Video link: https://lnkd.in/dhENPkW9 To be honest, 'the particpating people aka citizens' are what keeps a munipality going. In our view, everything starts at home on our watch - what we do well there, we can do well anywhere. So let's not shirk responsibility onto others, whether municipality or government - read about it, get wise, talk to those that know and get involved in green power; it's the right thing to do, especially if you have the means. Invest in tomorrow by turning a green leaf! Right now what municipality and our government could do is listen to its people and help enable the change - look at what Germany did, "recently, Germany reportedly satisfied 78 percent of its electricity demand with renewable sources - (solar, wind and biofuel etc)" - Wow, to explain how Germany became the world leader in solar energy...it was a combination of strong public support and political will to pass the necessary regulations to start on the path to solar domination, one that took 30 years. "The video outlines the role of embedded generation in ending South Africa's energy crisis. Municipalities are called upon to develop processes to connect EG to their grids, develop tariffs to compensate customers for feeding into the grid, and accelerate application response times. For more info visit www.sseg.org.za" Want to know more about solar? - ask us we'd be happy to help you.