Asia’s rapid economic growth has been accompanied by a substantial increase in energy demand and associated carbon emissions. The rising global average temperature, driven by growing energy use, underscores the necessity for rapid decarbonisation. However, this must be balanced with the assurance of continued economic growth, especially in regions such as ASEAN, where energy demand is expected to continue growing due to economic development. Achieving this balance requires innovative solutions, and distributed energy systems (DES) and microgrids powered by renewable energy sources offer promising pathways. These systems enable decentralised energy generation, which is crucial for enhancing grid resilience, especially in remote areas, while contributing to carbon neutrality.
The potential of smart grids, particularly those utilising renewable energy such as solar, wind, and biomass, cannot be overstated. These distributed energy resources (DERs) provide flexibility, reduce transmission losses, and can help mitigate the volatility of energy supply. Nevertheless, as energy grids become more decentralised, the accompanying risk of cyberattacks increases. These cyber -threats pose significant risks to the stability of energy supply, particularly in systems that rely on smart technologies for real-time control and monitoring.
This research study “Promoting Cyber Security for Distributed Energy Systems (DES) and Smart Grids in ASEAN” published by Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) seeks to address the dual challenge of promoting the use of distributed energy resources while enhancing the cybersecurity of distributed energy systems. As part of the broader vision to realise the Asian Zero Emission Community (AZEC), this project aims to support ASEAN countries in their energy transition by promoting renewable energy adoption and developing action plans that include a basic concept for cybersecurity for DES. The collaboration between ASEAN nations is critical to ensuring that the region not only advances toward its decarbonisation goals but does so securely, safeguarding critical infrastructure from potential cyber threats.
Access the report here