India's CEA Launches Indigenous SCADA Development Amid Cybersecurity Concerns

• •India's CEA plans to indigenize SCADA systems by 2028-29 to enhance grid security.
• •The initiative addresses cybersecurity risks linked to foreign technology dependency.
• •Key functionalities include real-time monitoring, load forecasting, and automatic generation control.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) of India has announced a roadmap to indigenize Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems by 2028-29. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance grid management capabilities, especially with the increasing integration of renewable energy sources. The roadmap includes the development of various software and hardware modules aimed at improving real-time monitoring and control of the power grid. The move comes in response to concerns over cybersecurity threats, particularly from foreign manufacturers, which have raised issues of interoperability and dependence on external support. The CEA's committee has identified key functionalities such as load forecasting and automatic generation control as part of the phased development. This effort aims to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions and enhance national energy security. The initiative is expected to improve the resilience of India's power infrastructure against potential cyber threats.