Page 123 - Cyber Defense eMagazine June 2024

landscape. And in the case of extended outages, microgrids powered by natural gas ensure an additional
layer of reliability when compared to potential delays or shortages of diesel fuel delivery. Natural gas is
abundant, relatively clean-burning, and domestically sourced, making it a reliable option for energy
generation.

The double-edged sword of AI and grid security

The emergence of AI has ushered in a new era for grid security, presenting a blend of promise and peril.
On one hand, AI technologies offer a powerful toolset for bolstering grid resilience. Predictive analytics,
powered by machine learning algorithms, can sift through vast troves of data from the grid and connected
devices to preemptively detect and thwart potential threats. This proactive approach enables faster
response times and more effective mitigation strategies in the face of cyberattacks or physical breaches.

Yet, the widespread adoption of AI also introduces new cybersecurity risks. As AI systems become
increasingly interconnected and autonomous, they create avenues for malicious actors to exploit
vulnerabilities. Adversarial attacks targeting AI models or data manipulation techniques pose a threat to
the integrity of security solutions, potentially leading to false alarms or compromised decision-making.
Moreover, concerns about algorithmic bias and transparency raise questions about the ethical
implications of relying on AI for critical grid operations. While AI holds immense potential for advancing
grid security, its deployment must be accompanied by both robust cybersecurity measures and electrical
resiliency provided by natural gas microgrids. By embracing a comprehensive approach that prioritizes
both innovation and risk mitigation, the industry can navigate the evolving threat landscape and safeguard
critical infrastructure for future generations.

Data center microgrids as a blueprint for expanded infrastructure protection

The recent surge in AI has only intensified the skyrocketing growth and requirements of data centers.
According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, the increased number of servers running on high-
performance chips in an AI data center can result in a power draw of 50 kilowatts or more per rack,
compared with roughly 8-14 kilowatts per rack in a conventional data center. As a result, power demand
will continue to increase parallel to the AI landscape. With US data center consumption likely to go from
17 GW in 2022 to upwards of 35 GW by 2030, integrated microgrid systems are an ideal solution to fully
support the additional infrastructure and increased energy requirements for these data centers.

And since microgrids serve as a blueprint for the expanded protection of critical infrastructure, their
practical application for data centers provides a compelling model for enhancing resilience and reliability
for all businesses and communities. These sophisticated energy systems offer valuable insights into the
deployment of microgrids as decentralized energy generation and distribution, reducing vulnerabilities
associated with centralized grids.

By decentralizing energy generation and incorporating resilient technologies, the data center microgrid
model can be a guiding framework for bolstering the overall security and resilience of critical
infrastructure. But ultimately, the power of public-private collaboration emerges as a crucial component

Cyber Defense eMagazine – June 2024 Edition 123
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