Manufacturing and industrial sectors consume around 25 percent energy of the country which makes energy efficiency an important issue
On March 26, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced to fund $70 million for a Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute to develop technologies for advancement of energy efficiency, manufacturing competitiveness, and innovation in the U.S.
The Innovation Institute will focus on early-stage research to advance cybersecurity in energy efficient manufacturing. Reportedly, manufacturing and industrial sectors consume around 25 percent energy of the country which makes energy efficiency an important issue.
According to reliable sources, up to 15 percent increase can be observed in energy efficient manufacturing by adopting automated controls and sensors.
According to the press release by DOE, manufacturing and energy deploying technologies like solar panels, electric vehicles and wind turbines, are affected by cybersecurity threats in energy technologies. Increase in use of automation applied in energy efficient manufacturing processes and integration across supply chain network can make industrial infrastructures susceptible to cyber-attacks.
Rick Perry, U.S. Secretary of Energy, noted that risks can be reduced by improving cybersecurity and can catalyze adoption of more energy efficient technologies in manufacturing industry. The Institute will help U.S. manufacturers to remain resilient and competitive against cyberattacks by conducting early-stage research, he further added.
DOE has identified two major challenges which includes securing automation, and securing the supply chain network, where collaborative research and development can help U.S. manufacturers to remain resilient and competitive against cyberattacks across the globe.
The Institute will focus on understanding the evolution of cybersecurity threats to greater energy efficient manufacturing industries, sharing information and knowledge to broader communities of U.S. manufacturers and developing new technologies and methods for cybersecurity, by carrying out targeted early-stage research and development.
The Institute will also provide training and education required for cyber-secure automated sensors to enable greater energy efficiency in manufacturing industry.
