Secret communication equipment found in Chinese solar power inverters

U.S. energy officials are currently in the process of reassessing the risk posed by Chinese-made devices that play a critical role in renewable energy infrastructure. This comes after unexplained communication equipment was discovered inside some of these devices by experts, according to two individuals familiar with the matter.

Power inverters, which are mainly produced in China, are integral in connecting solar panels and wind turbines to electricity grids. They are also utilized in batteries, heat pumps, and electric vehicle chargers. While inverters are designed to allow remote access for updates and maintenance, utility companies typically install firewalls to prevent direct communication back to China.

However, rogue communication devices that were not listed in product documents have been found in some Chinese solar power inverters by U.S. experts who conduct security checks on equipment connected to grids. Additionally, over the past nine months, undocumented communication devices, including cellular radios, have been discovered in batteries from multiple Chinese suppliers.

The presence of these rogue components provides additional, undocumented communication channels that could potentially allow firewalls to be bypassed remotely, leading to severe consequences. Experts have warned that using these rogue communication devices to circumvent firewalls and remotely switch off inverters or change their settings could destabilize power grids, damage energy infrastructure, and trigger widespread blackouts.

Former director of the U.S. National Security Agency, Mike Rogers, expressed concerns about China’s intentions, stating that the Chinese may be looking to limit the options available to the West in dealing with security issues by incorporating these rogue devices into critical infrastructure.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has acknowledged the challenges associated with manufacturers failing to disclose and document functionalities of these devices. The DOE is working to address gaps in disclosures through measures like “Software Bill of Materials” and other contractual requirements to ensure a full understanding of the capabilities of the products received.

As tensions between the U.S. and China escalate, there is a growing concern about China’s role in strategic infrastructure. U.S. Representative August Pfluger emphasized the need to ramp up efforts to prevent China from compromising sensitive infrastructure components.

In response to these security risks, some utilities are taking steps to minimize the use of Chinese inverters by sourcing equipment from other suppliers. The DOE spokesperson highlighted the importance of integrating trusted equipment into the power grid and strengthening U.S. supply chains.

As countries around the world reassess their reliance on Chinese-made devices in renewable energy infrastructure, the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with these products are being taken into consideration. The need to prioritize security and minimize exposure to potential threats from foreign actors remains a top priority for energy officials and governments globally.