Qnergy-Sec: Quantum-Resilient Security and Authentication Layer for Critical Energy Infrastructure

The proposed project aims to address the growing cybersecurity threats facing the United Kingdom (UK) energy sector. With the increasing reliance on digital energy systems, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, including power grids, smart energy networks, and industrial control systems (ICS), have surged. In 2023, cyberattacks on the UK's energy sector increased by 586%, with 24% of all UK cyberattacks targeting energy infrastructure, resulting in operational disruptions and financial losses. The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and the 2020 Npower data breach demonstrate the vulnerabilities within the sector, while warnings from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) highlight the growing geopolitical risks of cyber threats to energy networks. Our proposed solution, Qnergy-Sec, will be a cost-effective, scalable cybersecurity framework designed to protect the UK's energy infrastructure from AI-driven and quantum-enabled cyber threats. The solution will integrate post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) techniques, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered real-time threat detection, and secure authentication mechanisms to safeguard smart grids, IoT-connected devices, and distributed energy resources (DERs). By implementing next-generation encryption and advanced security protocols, the system will ensure secure and resilient communication between energy operators and assets, protecting against cyber intrusions and unauthorized access. Additionally, AI-driven anomaly detection will enable real-time monitoring and proactive threat mitigation. Our solution will be fully compatible with existing energy infrastructure by extending industry security standards with future-proof cybersecurity protocols, making it an easily adoptable and scalable security framework for the sector. The success of this project will be evaluated using key security and performance metrics aligned with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) criteria, ensuring its effectiveness and reliability. Qnergy-Sec has the potential to significantly enhance cybersecurity resilience in the UK's energy sector, helping energy providers meet regulatory compliance requirements under the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) Cyber Resilience Framework, Network and Information Systems (NIS) regulations, and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). By implementing next-generation cybersecurity mechanisms, this project will reduce cyber risks, prevent operational disruptions, and strengthen the UK's leadership in energy cybersecurity innovation.