A Methodology for Estimating the Criticality of Energy Infrastructures in the Context of IEMI

The power system has been undergoing a modernization process due to the insertion of Smart Electronic Devices (SEDs) and advanced communication systems. However, along with the advances allowed by such modernization, new security threats to the electricity sector have emerged. One of these threats is known as Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI), where criminals misuse high power electromagnetic sources aiming to interfere with and disrupt critical devices belonging to energy infrastructures. In this perspective, the development and enhancement of IEMI threat analysis strategies oriented to the electricity sector are relevant to guarantee the security and reliability of the power system. Therefore, this paper proposes a user-friendly methodology to classify energy infrastructures’ criticality with respect to IEMI targeting grid operators willing to address security issues in their energy facilities. The application of the methodology is exemplified with a typical transmission substation part of the power system.