A Conversation with Luka Močnik Part 1: An Evolving Sector
Introduction
The first edition of Smart Grid Forums new interview series, features Elektro Gorenjska, d.d. ’s, ICT infrastructure architect, Luka M. . Luka is a prominent engineer specialising in substation automation after gaining valuable experience in the telecommunications industry during the transition from analogue to digital telephony.
Since making a career shift into power distribution automation, Luka has played a key role in the development of Elektro Gorenjska's control centre, focusing on substation automation and the IEC61850 standard, digitisation efforts, and the deployment of cybersecurity measures.
Elektro Gorenjska, which is located in Northwest Slovenia, is the fifth largest energy provider covering an area of 2.091 km2 and supplying a customer base of 90.547. The distribution grid length amounts to 5.100 km and connects a total of 19 remotely controlled primary substations (110kV/20kV) and close to 213 secondary substations (20kV/0,4kV).
Luka's Role in the Context of the Energy Transition
M: Luka, first I want to thank you both for taking time out of your schedule to talk to me and participating in our new series of expert interviews. Firstly, let’s tackle the broader questions, in regard to the energy transition and the power sectors' digital revolution, what role are you playing?
L: Overall, I’m responsible for OT-related activities, such as substation automation and the control centre at Elektro Gorenjska in Slovenia. When it comes to the company, we are the smallest DSO in the country, but we have the largest percentage of underground transmission network lines, with 70 %.
We have had great results, the large investment that this initiative represented has translated into a very robust infrastructure. However, the future looks different and we need to look for alternatives, like smart solutions and the benefits they can potentially provide - especially considering solar power generation.
M: Is this due to the financial burden required for the new infrastructure?
L: Yes. As of now, we have not been able to meet the energy demand for solar power generation. Connecting all solar panels to our grid has proven to be more challenging than expected due to problems in the low-voltage section. So, I would expect that in the future, we will see a joint development of the grid, cables, and transformers embedded with grid automation and cyber security activities.
However, there is a problem beyond the technical expertise - regulations. Currently, we do not own the distributed generators, therefore we cannot control them. Our range is strictly limited to connecting them to our grid. In Slovenia, distribution networks and DSOs are owned by the State, meaning there is a heavy regulatory framework. Quite often, this is a disadvantage, as the legislation is not up to date with new requirements the sector’s evolution presents.
Cybersecurity Week 2023 – What was your experience?
Earlier this year, Cybersecurity Week 2023 featured a presentation on “Remote Control – Leveraging IEC 62443 to future proof remote control of medium and low-voltage substation automation” from Luca Močnik. In a recent interview, he shared his experience as a speaker and delegate at the conference with us.
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M: Can you share with us your experience and thoughts about Cybersecurity Week 2023?
L: It was a very positive experience, especially in terms of customer service, Smart Grid Forums are excellent. When it comes to the event, Ii enjoyed the opportunity to speak and network with specialists from around the world.
I found it interesting that although we all came from very different cultural backgrounds, we were all facing similar challenges. It was nice to talk with peers, discuss current problems and plan solutions. Each solution was not a one size fits all, but there were plenty of valuable insights for all involved in the conversation.
Initially, I was surprised because there were fewer people than in previous Smart Grid Forums events that I attended. Nevertheless, this was a positive aspect since it allowed for closer interactions with other participants. The intimate setting motivated participants to be more open to delving into topics that aren’t usually explored in that kind of setting.
I was pleased to corroborate was able to confirm I was on the right path and aligned with other utilities from across Europe, the United States, and Canada. At Elektro Gorenjska, I am the only one in the team that is promoting the development of robust OT cybersecurity systems.
M: In terms of the other speakers, was there any presentation that really stuck with you?
L: Michael W. Knuchel , from Swissgrid AG , on the optimal balance training of IT and OT experts. I enjoyed how the presenter explored the ongoing topic of IT-OT beyond the integration concept and how Michael shared his company’s experience while developing the IT-OT cooperation paradigm. He explained the problems they were witnessing and the approach they tailored to solve them.
Michael elaborated on the importance of using lab environments, a topic that highly resonated with me, as I am planning to develop Elektro Gorejska’s lab environment this year.
M: What are the main obstacles you’re facing to accomplish the task of a new lab environment?
L: There are minor obstacles like the physical space, additional computers, IEDs and tools, but the biggest challenge is knowledge. Our projects are partly outsourced operators in charge of a considerable number of installation projects. This poses a major problem because, although we can monitor the system performance, there are still significant blind spots such as which devices are being used or how the system is structured. Additionally, it also allows for better ordinary maintenance duties in terms of ensuring the backup restoration process works. The best way to fill these gaps is to jump onto the lab environment and perform the necessary testing.
*Stay tuned to our page for the second part of the interview and more content about the latest developments in the sector.