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 Department Invests $26 Million to Support Clean Electric Grid
The funding will be spread across eight projects in 13 states and U.S. territories.
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