Secured Integration of Distributed Energy Resources into Energy Ecosystems

With an increase in focus on renewable energy, the implementation and operation of new energy ecosystems along with existing systems is quite a challenge. Energy stakeholders are using various approaches to build renewable energy ecosystems for cost-cutting purposes while the standards are evolving and the legacy systems are yet to open for the Internet of Things (IoT). The article sets the context and importance of renewable energy ecosystems with the latest investments and industry developments across the world. A review is done in this changing/ new energy ecosystem, and cybersecurity challenges are highlighted in the operations of renewable energy-based Microgrids and Virtual Power Plants (VPP). This is followed by an in-depth analysis of different evolving standards in the operationalisation of these new energy ecosystems. Furthermore, the article provides the operational design details of these new ecosystems, focusing on Distributed Energy Resources (DER) interoperability, security, and integration. Observations from a lab experiment on a sample DER communication are shared. The article is concluded by highlighting the work involved in the institutionalisation of the lab experiments on a larger operational scale.