Statnett SF
Statnett is the system operator in the Norwegian energy system.
ID: 117394247983-13
Lobbying Activity
Response to Revision of the EU’s energy security framework
13 Oct 2025
Statnett response 1. Introduction Statnett welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Commissions initiative. Energy security must adapt to a changing geopolitical landscape marked by increased hybrid threats and growing impact of climate change. Lessons from the 2021-2023 energy crisis and hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure demonstrate that emergency situations are best handled through cross border cooperation. While fully supporting ENTSO-Es contribution we would like to add the following: 2. Statnetts experience Climate Resilience and Operational Preparedness Statnett operates a transmission grid in harsh northern conditions, gaining regular experience in managing critical situations. These strengthen our operational procedures, and the planning and development of critical infrastructure. We place high value on redundancy, decentralised spare parts, and shared maintenance capabilities as key elements to enhance resilience. Cross-Border Interconnectors and Market Integration Statnetts transmission grid is highly interconnected with the transmission grid of neighbouring countries, and these interconnections are supported by close collaboration with the respective system operators. We believe that these interconnectors play an important role in handling emergency situations more efficiently and therefore continue to scale up our cross-border cooperation. Mechanically protecting submarine cables remain a key priority for us. Europe needs stronger manufacturing, standardisation, decentralised storage, and repair capacity for critical components. Integrated and Renewable Power Systems With over 95% hydropower and a growing share of variable renewables, Statnett has extensive experience in operating a weather-dependent and decentralised power system with a significant amount of transmission constraints key challenges central for Europes decarbonisation trajectory. We find that the internal market is of particular importance for renewable power systems. However, we also recognise that increased digital integration can heightened the vulnerability of Europe's power supply. From Reactive to Proactive Resilience Security strategies must prioritise prevention and preparedness, not only response. Coordinated EU spatial planning should accelerate resilient grid deployment and simplify permitting processes to ensure infrastructure development keeps pace with energy transition needs. Resilience by Design Europes future system must embed resilience and cybersecurity from the outset. Disinformation and information warfare targeting infrastructure projects can undermine public trust, while uneven cybersecurity standards expose systems to risks. Harmonised standards and continuous cyber vigilance are essential to safeguard digitalised energy systems. 3. Recommendations Statnett recommends that the future EU energy security framework: Strengthens the role of TSOs as operational partners in both preparedness and crisis management at EU and national levels. Embeds resilience at the core of infrastructure protection (including mechanical protection of submarine assets). Ensures coherence with other EU regulation such as the Critical Entities Resilience Directive, the NIS2 Directive, and the Net-Zero Industry Act as well as energy market regulations. Promotes efficient data exchange, transparency and early warning systems, without imposing disproportionate administrative burdens. Promotes a cross-sectoral and cross-border perspective on system security. Enhances transparency, monitoring and common risk assessments. Embeds hybrid threats and warfare, cybersecurity and physical protection as core elements of energy security. Introduces the term grid security, defined as a combination of a robust and redundant power system and stations integrated with reliable communication systems and resilient ICT systems. Grid security requires well-trained capabilities to handle errors and failures.
Read full responseResponse to European strategy on research and technology infrastructures
19 May 2025
Statnett is the Norwegian TSO and we see a transition taking place toward a greener and more electrical future. On the way we need more knowledge and insights within many areas. Some of them will be based on findings in research and technology infrastructures. For some of the once in the list we have R&D projects behind them, others we see the need from our daily operations. So fare we can list (there is no priority behind the number of the list): 1. Hardware Reverse Engineering Here we see a great need for new sensors. The info they provide need also to be close to real time and will be the basis for automated decisions. This lead to the need to understand what is in the sensors we install and that they will do what they do also under even more severe security situations. If they a tampered whit it can lead to blackouts. 2. Test lab for signal quality from sensor data We must understand the physical processes that occur around the sensor measurement itself, but also the environment in which the sensor is located. There is too little attention to sources of error, aging and noise in sensor systems. This can undermine the benefits of digitalization. 3. Laboratory testing of digital substation and Low Power Instrument Transformer In a digital substation, electronic components such as merging unit and sensors are placed close to primary components. LPIT is in of the driver for moving with process bus based digital substation with its well defined Compactness and HSE advantages. Analysis of the behavior of these devices can be performed in Laboratory environment such as Smart Grid laboratory (NSGL) and the Prodig relay lab as they both are equipped with IEC 61850 process bus. To replicate and test the full digital substation, NSGL/prodig lab can be extended with primary equipment LPIT and more protection devices. Furthermore NSGL/Prodig lab can be integrated with other electro-technical labs where LPIts can be tested with high voltage and/or current and/or climatic variation to emulate different operating conditions. Another area of research is well to look into much bigger picture where we will analyze how the high accuracy data from these LPITs will lead to predicted maintenance in the future. 4. Future Control system (Central Substation Computer The fast evolution of microelectronics is driving the evolution of information Technology solutions. The next generation digital substation represents a paradigm shift from both conventional substations and current process bus based digital substation based on multi -hardware devices for protection and control. Designing, implementing and testing of centralized and virtualized protection and control system will help the power utility branches in implementation of new process and procedures, developing new competence on operation, upgrading and monitoring the control system. This will also introduce the possibilities to evaluate all the cyber risk involved in such server based system. 5. Development of lab for the control room of the future For more automated and secure operation of the power system, including automated (advice to operator for) handling of faults and instabilities 6. Development of Smart Grid lab For increased capacity for power HIL testing of power system components, and solutions for the development and testing of cybersecurity, management and control of HVDC and other power electronics with "grid forming" / features that provide system support and contribute to stability
Read full responseMeeting with Maroš Šefčovič (Executive Vice-President) and
15 Nov 2023 · Roundtable for Europe’s Energy Future (REEF)
Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and
6 Sept 2023 · High level dinner before the ENSTO-E grids event – discussion on the challenges for European networks and electrification.
Meeting with Anne Funch Jensen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager), Stina Soewarta (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)
4 Oct 2022 · energy issues