Resilient core networks for energy distribution

Substations and their control are crucial for the availability of electricity in today's energy distribution. Advanced energy grids with Distributed Energy Resources require higher complexity in substations, distributed functionality and communication between devices inside substations and between substations. Also, substations include more and more intelligent devices and ICT based systems. All these devices are connected to other systems by different types of communication links or are situated in uncontrolled environments. Therefore, the risk of ICT based attacks on energy grids is growing. Consequently, security measures to counter these risks need to be an intrinsic part of energy grids. This paper introduces the concept of a Resilient Core Network to interconnected substations. This core network provides essential security features, enables fast detection of attacks and allows for a distributed and autonomous mitigation of ICT based risks.