FERC Approves Mississippi Hydrogen Storage Project and Proposes Grid Cybersecurity Standards
Key Ideas
- FERC's new members support a hydrogen storage project in Mississippi, highlighting a shift towards green energy initiatives.
- Proposed cybersecurity standards aim to enhance grid system protection by addressing supply chain risks and monitoring network security.
- North American Electric Reliability Corporation will be required to track and address supply chain risks to grid-related cybersecurity systems.
- Chairman Willie Phillips emphasizes the timeliness and importance of these measures in the current global context.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently approved a hydrogen storage project in Mississippi with the support of its three newest members. This decision represents a significant step towards promoting green energy initiatives within the state. In addition to this approval, FERC has proposed new cybersecurity standards aimed at bolstering the protection of grid systems. These standards would mandate the North American Electric Reliability Corporation to document, track, and mitigate supply chain risks related to grid cybersecurity systems and certain products categorized as crucial cyber assets.
The proposed measures also include an expansion of internal network security monitoring and the extension of existing protections required for utilities. FERC Chairman, Willie Phillips, highlighted the importance of these standards during a press conference, emphasizing their relevance in the current global landscape. The move towards strengthening grid cybersecurity aligns with the growing recognition of the critical role cybersecurity plays in safeguarding energy infrastructure from cyber attacks. By taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity measures, FERC aims to ensure the resilience and reliability of the grid system amidst evolving threats and challenges.