Preparedness must be strengthened
Researchers from SINTEF and NTNU authored the report, which has been reinforced through consultation rounds with stakeholders from industry, government, and politics.
The publication highlights vulnerabilities in the Norwegian energy system and details how we can strengthen preparedness against deliberate threats such as sabotage, cyber attacks and hybrid operations.
"The energy system is the nervous system of society. When it fails, everything stops. We must rethink how we protect and restore the energy system," said Nils Røkke, Sustainability Director at SINTEF and one of the report's lead authors.
Three recommendations for a more secure energy system
The report presents three key measures to strengthen Norway’s ability to handle targeted attacks:
- Upgrade the energy system for uncertain times: Enhanced preparedness, strategic reserves, access to expertise, and spare parts are crucial.
- Focus on energy solutions that combine security of supply and sustainability: Integrated systems that connect electricity, heating, gas and hydrogen enhance robustness and facilitate restoration.
- Strengthen cooperation with our allies to ensure affordable and secure access to energy: Norway's role as an energy supplier to Europe must be further developed, and dependence on foreign suppliers must be mapped.
However, these recommendations alone are not enough. We need more knowledge, technology, and coordination across sectors to meet an increasingly demanding threat landscape.
We must develop solutions that bolster civilian and military preparedness and facilitate the rapid deployment of new technology.
"We need research that combines cybersecurity, energy technology and societal preparedness. It is about being prepared not only for what we know can happen, but also for what we have not yet seen," said Nils Røkke.
For decades, SINTEF has worked on developing solutions that strengthen energy security and societal preparedness. This report is part of a long-term endeavour to combine research, technology and policy making for the benefit of society.
