Transelectrica Establishing Its Own Operational Security Centre
Transelectrica has signed a Grant Agreement worth approximately $1.1 million with the United States Government, represented by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), for the establishment of an Operational Security Centre of the Company.
The project that Transelectrica will implement with the support of its US partners involves a feasibility study and a pilot project to test and validate hardware and software solutions for the adoption of an effective model to improve cyber security. The preparatory steps for obtaining the USTDA funding were made, in 2021, by the US company Pythia (as service provider) together with the US company Fortinet (provider of security software products and licenses), which developed, together with Transelectrica (as beneficiary), the documentation supporting the decision to award the grant in the amount of about $1.1 million. Fortinet, as a subcontractor, will also contribute about $1.6 million for the entire project, which represents the cost of using the security systems that the US company will provide for the pilot project for one year. Thus, the total value of the investment amounts to approximately $2.7 million.
The Romanian-American collaboration for the implementation of this project was marked during an official ceremony hosted by Transelectrica, in the presence of high-level representatives of the US Government in Romania, as well as the companies involved in the consortium.
“We appreciate the active support of our US partners in our efforts to strengthen cyber security, a fundamental component of the energy transition. We are confident that the results of the collaboration will bring considerable added value, both in terms of expertise and especially in terms of processes and efforts to address cyber risks in the energy sector. Cyber security of the national power transmission system is one of Transelectrica’s top priorities. In a context of evolving cyber threats, it is essential to streamline the whole process of preventing and defending against potential cyber threats and attacks by developing new security tools and specialised resources. Also, in accordance with the NIS Directive, which provides for effective measures for a high common level of security of networks and information systems in the European Union, Transelectrica is developing its strategy in the field of cyber security through integrated approaches and solutions that will ensure that the activities of the National Transmission System Operator in Romania are carried out in optimal security conditions, both internally and externally, in relation to other transmission and system operators,” said Gabriel Andronache, President of the Executive Board of CNTEE Transelectrica SA.
“Romania is strengthening its energy sector through strategic investments in areas such as cyber security. This study and pilot project will support Transelectrica’s efforts to optimize the implementation of innovative solutions specific to its needs,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA Director. “This project is also a good example of the role of catalyst that USTDA plays in facilitating partnerships between U.S. industry and overseas project sponsors,” the U.S. official added.
The establishment of an Operational Security Centre at Transelectrica, a strategic company of national interest, will be an essential dynamic mechanism for addressing cyber threats and will contribute to increasing the company’s security level, preventing and dealing with potential cyber security incidents through advanced security systems.
CNTEE Transelectrica SA is the national Transmission and System Operator, playing a fundamental role in the electricity value chain and in ensuring information exchange with the other Power Transmission and System Operators in the European Grid. In this regard, through the implementation of the project financed by the United States Government, represented by the United States Trade and Development Agency and the US company Pythia International Inc., for the development of an Operational Security Centre, Transelectrica is following the path of alignment with new cybersecurity concepts and standards.
Background
Transelectrica is the sole power transmission system operator in Romania, with a key role in the electricity market in Romania and in the region, responsible for managing and operating the power transmission system in Romania and for ensuring electricity exchanges between Romania and the countries with which it is interconnected in Central and Eastern Europe, as a member of ENTSO-E. Transelectrica manages and operates a power transmission grid of about 9,000 kilometres of overhead power lines and 81 electric substations.
The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) helps companies create jobs in the US by exporting US goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA connects US businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation activities and building partnerships that develop sustainable infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in partner countries.
USTDA accomplishes its mission by funding feasibility studies, technical assistance, and pilot projects that integrate US private sector innovation into infrastructure projects at critical early stages when design choices and technology options are being determined. The agency also connects overseas project sponsors with US partners through its reverse trade missions, industry conferences and expert workshops.
