DOE Designates Six Universities as Energy Sector Cybersecurity Centers

Six higher education institutions have received funding from the Department of Energy to establish electric power cybersecurity centers to improve energy security research and establish cybersecurity education programs.

The selected organizations will work with energy operators and owners and the department’s national laboratories on innovative research focused on developing a series of training programs that will equip the energy workforce with much-needed skills.

Among the grant recipients are the University of Connecticut, Iowa State University and the University of Pittsburgh, Energy .gov reported.

Puesh M. Kumar, director of the DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response, said that the contract will help ensure that the U.S. maintains a competitive advantage over cutting-edge research and a capable workforce.

Cybersecurity has been a priority for the Energy Department. In March 2023, lawmakers introduced a bill to mandate the appointment of an assistant secretary for the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response to ensure stronger protections for critical infrastructure.