Cyber Threats Are One More Reason To Use Solar Panels, Storage, And Microgrids

Source: Kevin Silverstein · FORBES · | April 6, 2022

Source: Pixabay

One of the repercussions of America’s support for Ukraine is increased Russian aggression here at home — especially in cyber security. But one way this country can fight back is to use more onsite generation with microgrids. They can operate independently of the primary grid and outside the domain of electric utilities that are getting millions of phishing expeditions.

The American Jobs Plan, signed last November, pays for and trains workers to run wind and solar projects, build electric vehicle charging stations, and create energy-efficient homes and businesses. It also pays millions for cyber security. The president has said that he will treat cyber intrusions and ransomware attacks as a national security matter.

Indeed, the White House has twin goals: getting to 100% clean electricity by 2035 and a zero-emissions economy by 2050 while also protecting the country from foreign and domestic threats. Decentralizing the electrical infrastructure is compatible with both objectives.

“It’s a hedge against uncertainty,” says Tria Case, executive director for sustainability at the City University of New York. “Renewables and storage have proven themselves. While industries are thinking a lot about reliability, they are also making commitments around sustainability and corporate responsibility. The technologies are broadly applicable if you are risk-averse. Incentives are needed to make those investments financially prudent.”