CMC 500: Addressing two major trends in protection relay testing

The two trends that have gained traction in the energy sector in recent years are personnel safety in protection relay testing and cybersecurity of critical infrastructure.

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Due to the constantly rising demand for electrical energy, utilities are investing heavily. Many new projects are planned in addition to the necessary modernisation of existing substations. As a result, the pressure on personnel rises. But hiring is hardly an option, as capable protection testing engineers are difficult to find. Whether due to the insufficient qualification of new personnel or excessive work pressure, personnel safety is compromised. Therefore, the question of how to keep test engineers and technicians safe has become increasingly important.

The second trend concerns the 'health', or rather the security, of the critical infrastructure against cyber-attacks. Attempts have been increasing for several years, with the 2016 cyberattack in Ukraine being the most prominent example. Several countries have since increased the requirements related to protecting energy infrastructure, with the NIS2 directive being one example from the European Union.