Cybersecurity Challenges in the Digitization and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems: A Review

Renewable energy generation is a key to a sustainable future. Efforts are continuously being made to develop new technologies that improve energy harnessing in a more sustainable way. Additionally, existing systems are being improved with modern practices to increase their resilience and efficiency. However, the transition from conventional to digital energy systems brings significant cybersecurity challenges due to the increase in complexity and interconnectedness of energy systems. This paper provides a comprehensive review of cybersecurity challenges in digitizing and integrating renewable energy systems. The paper highlights the intertwined nature of cyber and physical threats, emphasizing how cyberattacks can lead to grid instability and disruptions in power infrastructure. It also provides an understanding of the evaluation of mitigation strategies, including advanced encryption, real-time anomaly detection, and standardized cyber security protocols. The study provides a roadmap for enhancing the security of renewable energy infrastructures, ensuring a reliable and resilient transition to digital energy systems. The findings suggest that while advancements in cybersecurity have improved certain aspects of energy security, significant gaps remain. Therefore, real-time monitoring, regulatory compliance, and industry-wide cooperation are essential for addressing cybersecurity threats.