Triggering a Blackout Possible: USA Discovered Hidden Radio Modules in Inverters from China
Inverters, which are predominantly manufactured in China, are used worldwide to connect solar panels and wind turbines to power grids. They are also found in batteries, heat pumps, and chargers for electric vehicles. Although the inverters are designed to allow remote access for updates and maintenance, firewalls prevent direct communication to China.
Unauthorized Communication Devices Found in Inverters
US experts, who examine devices connected to the power grid for security issues, have found unauthorized communication devices in some Chinese solar inverters that are not listed in the product documentation, according to the two individuals. The components reportedly provide additional, undocumented communication channels through which firewalls could be remotely bypassed, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.
Experts believe that this could trigger widespread power outages. "This means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the power grid," said one of the individuals. The two individuals declined to name the Chinese manufacturers of inverters and batteries with additional communication devices and also did not say how many they had found in total.
USA: Chinese Technology Critical for National Security
The US government has not publicly confirmed the discoveries so far. The US Department of Energy stated in response to a Reuters inquiry that it constantly evaluates the risks associated with new technologies and that there are significant issues with manufacturers' disclosure and documentation of features.
In the USA, Chinese technology has been viewed critically in terms of national security for years. Since 2019, the USA has restricted Huawei's access to US technologies, accusing the company of activities contrary to national security, which Huawei denies. Huawei is not only a market leader in mobile equipment but, according to consulting firm Wood Mackenzie, with a 29 percent share of global shipments in 2022, the world's largest supplier of inverters.
Security experts point out that Chinese companies are legally required to cooperate with Chinese intelligence services, which gives the government potential control over inverters manufactured in China that are connected to foreign grids.
Huawei Withdrew from the US Inverter Market in 2019
Although Huawei decided to withdraw from the US inverter market in 2019 - the year its 5G telecommunications equipment was banned there - it remains a dominant supplier elsewhere, such as in Europe. Many PV systems in Austria are also equipped with inverters and energy storage from Huawei.
Blackout Risk: The Situation in Austria
The Huawei spokesperson in Austria, Michael Nowak, stated in response to an APA inquiry that the inverters meet all European standards and backdoors can be ruled out.
Vera Immitzer from the industry association PV Austria emphasized to the APA that interfaces are needed, but if it turns out that third-party interference is possible, it would be highly problematic.
The Upper Austrian inverter manufacturer Fronius is pushing to raise risk awareness in the EU. In the energy sector, this is not yet as pronounced as in the telecom sector, said the Fronius spokesperson to the APA.
According to experts, controlling 3 to 4 gigawatts (GW) of energy in Europe could be enough to cause a widespread power supply disruption. The European Solar Manufacturing Council estimates that over 200 GW of European solar power capacity is connected with inverters manufactured in China - equivalent to the output of more than 200 nuclear power plants. At the end of last year, according to the industry association SolarPower Europe, 338 GW of solar power was installed in Europe.
(APA/Red.)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.