Increasing the security of Europe's energy supply
Numerous energy sectors and sources are now being exploited, from traditional fossil fuels and nuclear energy to alternative forms such as solar and wind. The European Organisation for Security (EOS) joined forces with European Critical Energy Infrastructures operators to develop a comprehensive and unified approach to assess and manage risk associated with the end-to-end energy supply chain. With EU funding of the project 'European risk assessment and contingency planning methodologies for interconnected energy networks' (EURACOM), scientists provided a generic framework for hazard identification, including risk assessment (RA) and contingency planning (CP) management. EURACOM's framework can be applied within specific energy sectors yet emphasises interconnections of energy networks, CP interoperability and risk sharing to increase the security and resilience of Europe's energy supply across energy sectors and EU countries. Another important objective of the project was to promote dialogue among European stakeholders from different countries and all along the energy chain to support development of common European policies. Scientists launched a web platform for discussion and decision making that is expected to enhance the continuity and effectiveness of CP measures throughout the EU. A series of workshops was a key component of EURACOM and supported the validation of the proposed RA and CP methodologies. EURACOM has provided recommendations for European policies promoting energy security and reliability along the entire supply chain. It also delivered a generic methodology for RA and CP that facilitates consideration of interconnected and varied energy networks. Implementation of suggestions and procedures could have an important impact on the development of more secure networks and more effective emergency plans, particularly relevant in light of reported dramatic increases in the number of cyber attacks on the energy sector.
