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Smart grids are key enablers for creating sustainable energy systems. On the other hand, they introduce a grid management challenge as power grids become more complex and dynamic. Evolving power grids towards smart grids requires combining electric energy technology with communications and information technology. In a distributed network, time synchronization is often one central question. This paper studies limitations of utilizing the widely used Network Time Protocol (NTP) in current 4G cellular networks for smart grid management. As a specific contribution, an improved, NTP based clock adjustment algorithm is proposed to provide more accurate timing information. Finally, the paper studies capabilities of emerging 5G cellular networks to further improve accuracy of timing provided to user equipment (UE).

Electric power grids, which form an essential part of the critical infrastructure, are evolving into highly distributed, dynamic networks in order to address the climate change. This fundamental transition relies on extensive automation solutions based on communications and information technologies. Thus, it also gives rise to new attack points for malicious actors and consequently, increases the vulnerability of the electric energy system. This study presents a qualitative assessment of power grid cybersecurity through expert interviews across countries in Europe and the U.S. to gain understanding of the latest developments and trends in the cybersecurity of future electric energy systems. The horizon of the assessment is 10 years spanning until the early 2030s. Thereafter, the study identifies how and to which extent the risks identified to be most significant are understood and addressed in the latest research and industry publications aiming at identifying areas deserving specific further attention. The most significant threats based on the assessment are False Data Injection (FDI), Denial of Service (DoS) supply chain, and ransomware and malware attacks.

Industrial internet is the main customer for 5G networks. However, mobile networks cannot deliver currently the required reliability and transport infrastructure. In the past mobile networks were designed for personal communications optimized for downlink data transfer. A new transport that provides seamless connectivity between mobile and fixed devices is required. Moreover, reliable timing information has to be delivered to both cellular and fixed devices with predictable delay to enable synchronous communications. This paper studies limitations of utilizing the current transport in mobile networks for smart grid and industrial communications. A new transport layer is proposed and the solution to deliver accurate timing information. Finally, the paper studies capabilities of deploying the proposed transport in both 4G but also in emerging 5G cellular networks.