Information
U.S. energy officials are re-evaluating the security risks associated with Chinese-made power inverters after discovering unauthorised communication devices embedded in them. These inverters, essential for integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind into power grids, are widely produced in China and used globally. Experts found undocumented components such as cellular radios in some inverters and batteries, potentially allowing remote access that could bypass firewalls and jeopardise grid stability. Though no official numbers have been released, concerns are mounting over the ability of these hidden devices to cause widespread blackouts or damage energy infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Energy acknowledged the need for better transparency in component documentation, emphasising ongoing efforts to close disclosure gaps through contractual requirements and software inventories.
As geopolitical tensions with China grow, U.S. lawmakers and utility companies are moving to reduce reliance on Chinese equipment. Legislation is being proposed to ban purchases from certain Chinese battery manufacturers by 2027, and utilities like Florida Power & Light are already seeking non-Chinese alternatives. Globally, concerns echo in Europe, where Chinese inverters control a large portion of solar capacity, raising fears of potential sabotage. Countries like Lithuania and Estonia have begun implementing restrictions, and the UK is reviewing its own vulnerabilities.
Source: Reuters
So What
This was a cunning move, and it’s possible that, if undetected, it could have transmitted valuable information. This might have even enabled an external party to shut down power supplies remotely. While the producer may claim that the communication device was intended to provide diagnostic information, it likely served a dual purpose, similar to many other threats.
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