Hidden Channels in Clean Energy Tech

By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | May 14, 2025

U.S. energy officials are re-evaluating the use of certain foreign-manufactured technologies in renewable energy infrastructure following the discovery of undocumented communication components in some devices imported from overseas.

According to sources familiar with the matter, recent assessments of power inverters—key components that connect solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems to the electrical grid—revealed the presence of communication modules not disclosed in product documentation. These devices, primarily manufactured in countries governed by centralized, non-democratic systems, raise cybersecurity concerns due to their potential to create hidden channels of remote access.

Power inverters and battery storage units are vital to the expansion of clean energy. Many are produced internationally, especially in Asia, where cost efficiencies and mass production capabilities are well established. However, growing tensions over digital infrastructure security have led officials to scrutinize how and where these components are manufactured.

Experts warn that even standard, commercially available technology can carry hidden vulnerabilities. In some cases, communication modules, such as cellular radios, may bypass firewalls and allow unauthorized remote access, potentially compromising grid integrity.

Former NSA director Mike Rogers noted that some geopolitical actors may seek to exploit infrastructure dependencies. “When energy systems rely heavily on devices built in countries where government and industry are closely linked, the potential for misuse increases,” he said.

U.S. agencies have not specified which companies or products are involved, but the findings have prompted a broader review of foreign-made components in national infrastructure.

While no incidents of active exploitation have been reported, the situation underscores the importance of transparency, rigorous supply chain checks, and ongoing vigilance in protecting energy systems that are becoming increasingly digital and interconnected.

#Energy Security #Grid Vulnerability #Renewable Risks #Tech Transparency #Cyber Infrastructure #Clean Energy Watch #WBN News Global #Elke Porter

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