The relevance of IT Security awareness in Renewable Energy facilities

Abstract

In recent years several efforts have being made in bringing smart network connectivity to the Renewable Energy Plant (REP) environment. On the other hand, REP is extending in scale from specialized points where the energy provider acts as a supplier to home REP (self-energy producers). This enables new important features such as: process automation, monitoring, control and optimizations. On the other hand, and in particular during and after the Covid19 pandemics the cybersecurity menace is a massive concern. The digital literacy of a worker of such an infrastructure is relevant to the correct implementation of adequate security policies. This article describes the threats and challenges on the field and conducts an enquire for perceiving the awareness of Automation and Mechanics Engineering students for this relevant problem, as future player in the field.