review · Energy Strategy Reviews
Microgrids are expanding the adoption of renewable energy and energy storage technologies, aiding the practical coordination of distributed energy resources. However, integrating cyber-physical systems alongside modern communication networks and hierarchical monitoring makes microgrids vulnerable to digital threats. Securing these systems requires robust methods to prevent, detect, and isolate cyber attacks across both physical and digital layers. Communication infrastructure, especially data centres, represents a critical point of vulnerability. Effective microgrid management plays an essential role in mitigating these operational risks. A structured framework classifies countermeasures to strengthen defences and support the practical deployment of resilient energy systems. Addressing both historical breach patterns and emerging technological trends offers guidance for safeguarding vital energy infrastructure as power networks become increasingly digitised.
Modernising the electrical grid with decentralised green energy depends heavily on digital communication networks. As power systems become interconnected, cyber attacks can cause widespread disruptions to critical infrastructure. Establishing comprehensive defence and monitoring strategies ensures that local renewable energy supplies remain reliable, resilient against interference, and secure as power management becomes increasingly digital.
This review can inform energy system operators, microgrid technology developers, and utility managers seeking to protect digital infrastructure against security breaches. The categorised countermeasures and implementation guidance offer a conceptual framework rather than a tested commercial tool. Because the work is a review synthesising security approaches and practical implementation techniques, it represents early-stage guidance that requires application-specific engineering before direct industrial deployment.
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Recent progress in microgrids (MGs) has resulted in increased acceptance and utilization of green energy sources, energy storage technologies, and MGs. This has facilitated a more effective and practical administration of distributed energy resources (DERs). The progress in MGs, along with the implementation of hierarchical supervision and monitoring, has facilitated the transmission of information within contemporary communication systems. The incorporation of cyber physical systems (CPS) within MGs has heightened their susceptibility to cyber-attacks, thereby converting them into cyber–physical systems. Thus, emphasizing the importance of preventing, detecting, and isolating cyber-attacks is essential for the effective management of MG. This study offers an in-depth examination of cyber security within the energy sector, exploring the historical backdrop of cyber-attacks and classifying different forms of MG breaches, encompassing both cyber and physical security strategies. This study explore into the intricate communication networking infrastructure susceptible to attacks, particularly emphasizing data centers, and underscores the critical role of MG management in alleviating cyber risks. The study presents a framework that strategically improves cyber security defenses through a classification of countermeasures. The work offers significant perspectives on present and forthcoming advancements, promoting a forward-thinking strategy for safeguarding essential infrastructure in a world that is becoming more digitized. • Techniques for practical implementation of resilient energy systems. • Advancements in MGs and control approaches for cyber threats. • Importance of preventing, identifying, and isolating cyber-attacks on MGs. • Overview of cyber defense, monitoring, and future trends in MGs management.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2025.101654
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