Projects

Started

Applied Research and Development

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Computer Science and Informatics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
National Grid Electricity Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 September 2025

30 September 2026

ENA months

£277,000

Power

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Electricity Transmission

NGET will adopt a practical solution method to enhance the implementation of RBAC in IEDs. This approach would begin with a pilot project to assess the current state of certain major National Grids IEDs across the network, this is to identify and establish those that require upgrades to support advanced access control features. NGET will collaborate with technology partners to develop and deploy a tailored RBAC framework that includes user role definitions, permissions, and access levels specific to operational needs. Additionally, NGET will implement a robust monitoring and auditing system to evaluate the effectiveness of the RBAC implementation continuously. Though not in the scope of this particular project, the follow up project would incorporate training sessions for staff to ensure proper understanding and adherence to the new access control policies. The scope of this project encompasses a comprehensive initiative to enhance the security and access control of IEDs within the National Grid Electricity Transmission network. The project will begin with an assessment phase, where a thorough evaluation of existing IEDs will be conducted to identify vulnerabilities and determine which devices require upgrades to support advanced access control features. This phase will involve gathering data on current access control measures, user roles, and operational requirements to inform the development of a tailored Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) framework. Following this, a pilot implementation will be executed involving a representative sample of IEDs to test the effectiveness of the new framework, with continuous monitoring and evaluation to gather insights for further enhancements.In addition to the pilot, the project will focus on developing a robust RBAC framework in collaboration with technology partners, operational teams, and cybersecurity experts, ensuring it accommodates diverse access requirements. A comprehensive monitoring and auditing system will be established to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the RBAC implementation. The project aims to create a scalable model that can be expanded across the entire electricity transmission network, ensuring long-term sustainability and compliance with industry standards. Regular progress reports will be prepared for stakeholders, detailing findings and recommendations for ongoing improvements, ultimately enhancing the reliability of energy delivery to all consumers. Conduct comprehensive assessment and pilot implementation: evaluate the current state of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and launch a pilot project to test the effectiveness of a tailored Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) framework.Develop and implement tailored RBAC framework: collaborate with technology partners and cybersecurity experts to design a robust RBAC framework with clearly defined user roles, permissions, and access levels.Establish monitoring and auditing: create a comprehensive monitoring and auditing system to assess RBAC effectiveness.Ensure scalability and compliance: design a scalable model for expanding the RBAC framework across the entire electricity transmission network, ensuring compliance with industry standards and providing regular progress reports to stakeholders.

This project aims to enhance Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) within Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) across a defined segment of the network. By addressing traditional access control limitations, the initiative will establish a scalable framework that improves security, operational efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. Key objectives include assessing existing IEDs for necessary upgrades, launching a pilot project for real-world testing, and collaborating with technology partners and cybersecurity experts. The project will also involve implementing a robust monitoring system to evaluate effectiveness. Ultimately, this initiative will fortify the security of the National Grid, ensure reliable service delivery and contributing to the energy sector's stability.

24/04/26