Énergie NB Power supplies wholesale energy products in a competitive environment. Electricity is generated at 14 hydro, coal, oil, and diesel-powered stations, with an installed net capacity of 3,142 MW, comprised of 1,724 MW thermal, 893 MW hydro and 525 MW combustion turbines. Énergie NB Power’s industrial and corporate networks support power generation plants as well as business offices, all with different business needs. From these networks, the OSIsoft PI application and ICCP protocol are used for monitoring of the power stations.

With an average growth of 4% per year, hydropower has become the leading renewable source for electricity generation – globally supplying 71% of all renewable electricity. Today, hydropower offers not only clean energy but its infrastructure is also used for freshwater management, such as water supply, and flood management. The importance of hydropower has increased significantly in the past decade, leading to the adoption of innovative technology, advanced control systems, and stronger equipment.

When malicious attackers gain access to an industrial control system they are able to sabotage industrial control and safety processes, leading to costly outages, damaged turbines, threats to personnel safety and even environmental disasters. This is why NERC CIP and other industrial security regulations urge operators to thoroughly secure IT/OT interconnections in order to protect these highrisk access points against cyber terrorism and other attacks. The question is – how to achieve 100% protection from remote cyber threats?