Cyber security was one of the key topics at this year's Solar Energy and Storage in the Czech Republic conference, organised
by the Solar Association on 28 and 29 May 2025. Erika Langerová, head of the Cybersecurity for Energy research team at CTU
UCEEB, also spoke about this topic during her presentation, in which she outlined the current threats, realistic scenarios
and legislative challenges in the field of solar power plants.
The Solar Energy and Storage Conference in the Czech Republic is a key event of the year for experts and people interested
in renewable sources and modern energy technologies. In her presentation, our representative Erika Langerová pointed out the move of cyberattacks
from traditional power plants to renewable energy sources, which has been evident over the past five years. Three real attacks
on solar power plants have been recorded, leading to disruption of system function and availability. It is therefore necessary
to take seriously the threat of mass blackouts, for example in the event of a mass shutdown or manipulation of operating parameters
via manufacturers' cloud interfaces.
Europe's dependence on dominant manufacturers based outside the EU, particularly in China, may also be problematic, posing
not only technical but also geopolitical risks. In an environment of growing international tension, there is an increased
likelihood that energy technologies will be misused as a tool of extortion or attack that could affect the availability or
control of thousands of installations in several countries at once. European industry associations recognise that a single
large-scale incident could damage public confidence and political support for solar energy. They therefore support the adoption
and harmonisation of new cybersecurity requirements by European legislation.