DevSecOps for Critical Energy Infrastructure: A Secure and Sustainable Paradigm

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of DevSecOps principles applied to Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI), addressing the converging imperatives of robust cybersecurity, operational resilience, and environmental sustainability. A holistic DevSecOps framework is argued to be essential for safeguarding CEI against escalating cyber threats while simultaneously mitigating the growing environmental footprint of its digital systems. The paper delves into the integration of security throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), the transformative potential of Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) such as Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC) and Homomorphic Encryption (HE) for secure data collaboration and analytics, and the critical role of Green IT practices in fostering sustainable energy operations. Drawing parallels from the financial sector's adoption of PETs and leveraging established Green IT metrics and standards, this work proposes an integrated DevSecOps framework designed to enhance the security, privacy, and environmental performance of CEI. Key challenges, trade-offs, and future research directions are discussed, emphasizing the need for regulatory alignment and continuous innovation to realize a truly secure and sustainable energy future .