Cybersecurity

NDAA provision looks to close cybersecurity gaps in nuclear weapons systems

The requirement included in the fiscal year 2024 defense policy bill follows a 2022 GAO report that found the National Nuclear Security Administration did not fully implement “foundational cybersecurity risk practices.”

Emerging Tech

Energy launches advanced data analysis effort to explore emerging tech, AI

The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility will helm the High Performance Data Facility Hub, which looks to harness data sharing and supercomputing for research and development.

Emerging Tech

Energy focused on emerging technology R&D to combat climate change

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the agency’s goals in areas like fusion energy and AI in testimony before the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Cybersecurity

DOE unveils $39 million for electric grid cybersecurity projects

Nine national labs will split $39 million in new federal investment, with projects leveraging cloud-based software and AI systems in cybersecurity for U.S. utility companies.

Artificial Intelligence

Energy officials say their agency can lead the federal approach to national AI R&D efforts

Agency witnesses testifying at a Senate hearing spoke to Energy’s posture in addressing the “grand challenge” in safely developing and deploying artificial intelligence. 

Acquisition

Energy teases massive IT services recompete in information request

The department is gathering market research for a recompete of its $10 billion CBOSS blanket purchase agreement contract.

Emerging Tech

Energy continues funding expansion into quantum computing research

As part of the agency’s supercomputing agenda, the Department of Energy selected three winning proposals to receive $24 million for furthering the development of a quantum computing network.

Digital Government

‘Legacy mindset' a key obstacle to effective data governance, Energy official says

The newly appointed chief data officer for the Department of Energy argued advancements in enterprise data and analytics programs will require a cultural shift around data ownership. 

Emerging Tech

Lawrence Livermore researchers achieve fusion ignition for a second time

After a groundbreaking success in generating fusion ignition in December 2022, researchers repeated the victory in late July and will publish results soon.

Cybersecurity

US power grid faces escalating cyber threats, infrastructure experts warn

The power grid is experiencing heightened threats from foreign adversaries and domestic extremist groups that can pose devastating consequences for the nation’s supply of electricity, experts told a House subcommittee on Tuesday. 

Cybersecurity

Unmonitored networks put US nuclear arsenal at risk, GAO finds

A Government Accountability Office report found that the Energy Department cannot effectively monitor potential insider threats to U.S. nuclear security because department staff “have not identified the total number of DOE’s stand-alone classified networks.”

Emerging Tech

Clean energy advancements hinge on steady funding, Energy official says

Accelerating critical technologies to support a robust clean energy economic sector is a top priority for the agency’s 2024 budget request.

Cybersecurity

Federal Cyber Leaders Emphasize Standards Development for Stronger Networks

The critical infrastructure experts upheld common cybersecurity standards as a key to resilient networks and private sector collaboration.

Emerging Tech

Energy Eyes Industry Partnerships to Further Biofuel Development

The Biden administration has placed emphasis on domestic biomanufacturing, and Energy engineers hope to spur cellulosic material-based biofuel development. 

Digital Government

Lawmakers Intro 2 Bills to Strengthen DOE Research Partnerships

The bills would codify the Department of Energy’s partnerships with NASA and the National Science Foundation to further research efforts.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Move to Elevate Leadership of Energy’s Cyber Office

Citing the threat posed by foreign adversaries, four Republican senators are pushing for a Senate-confirmed assistant secretary to helm Energy’s office tasked with cybersecurity.

Emerging Tech

Energy Looks to Quantum Sensors for Grid Optimization

Quantum sensors can modernize the U.S. electrical grid through on-site technology with the long-term aim of supporting climate resilience.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Warn of Cyber Threat Posed by Beijing, Moscow to Energy Sector

Enhancing collaboration and information sharing with industry partners can help mitigate threats, but concerns remain about the extent to which foreign-made equipment is embedded within the U.S. electric grid.

Emerging Tech

Quantum Sensing Has ‘Critical’ Potential for Electrical Grid, Official Says

Quantum information technologies could be applied to the electrical grid for security and sustainability improvements.