New European Regulatory Framework for Cybersecurity: Strengthening Digital Protection in the Solar Energy Sector

Cybersecurity is a global priority, particularly for critical infrastructure like energy generation and supply, which underpins essential societal services. As digital technology becomes integral to the energy sector, safeguarding against cyber threats is vital to ensuring stability and trust in the ongoing energy transition. The European Union’s new regulations, including the NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), establish a comprehensive framework for bolstering cybersecurity. These measures are especially relevant for the solar energy sector, where digital solutions play a central role.

NIS2 Directive: Expanding Cybersecurity Obligations

The NIS2 Directive extends the scope of cybersecurity requirements to encompass critical infrastructures. It also includes supply chain actors, such as manufacturers of industrial elements, which can play a critical role in the operation of these infrastructures. The directive introduces stricter mandates on incident reporting, risk management, supply chain security, and the internal procedures necessary to ensure compliance.

For the solar energy sector, NIS2 underscores the importance of adopting proactive measures to mitigate cyber risks. Strengthening operational resilience, enhancing data protection, and maintaining secure supply chains are essential to safeguarding both business continuity and the broader energy transition.

Cyber Resilience Act: Securing Products with Digital Elements

The CRA complements NIS2 by focusing on the security of products with digital elements (PDEs), establishing clear requirements for their design, deployment, and lifecycle management. This ensures that connected devices and platforms critical to solar energy operations—such as controllers and management systems—are secure from inception and remain resilient over time.

For companies in the solar sector, this regulatory approach emphasizes accountability for maintaining product security, addressing vulnerabilities, and implementing updates throughout the lifecycle of digital technologies.

A Unified Approach to Cybersecurity in Solar Energy

Together, the NIS2 Directive and CRA create a robust cybersecurity framework for the solar energy sector. For companies like TrinaTracker, compliance with these regulations is not just a legal requirement but an opportunity to reinforce the security and reliability of their products and operations. This alignment with European cybersecurity standards will help ensure the resilience of solar plants while strengthening trust in digital energy solutions.

Conclusion

The European Union's adoption of the NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act represents a significant advance in safeguarding critical infrastructure and digital products. For the solar energy sector, these regulations support the creation of a secure, resilient digital ecosystem that underpins the energy transition. By prioritizing cybersecurity, the industry not only meets regulatory obligations but also builds a foundation of trust and innovation for the future of renewable energy in Europe.

Author: Miguel Espejo Labao, Project Manager at Integrated Technology Services (Cybersecurity area) at TrinaTracker