IET Devon and Cornwall Events

This presentation will explore the vital role of cyber security in critical national infrastructure, highlighting how cyber-attacks can translate into real-world physical consequences. Rowan will also discuss practical techniques and methodologies used in the nuclear sector to manage cyber risk and develop effective security strategies. She will also provide some basic information about early careers pathways for cyber security professionals. Talk explores the evolving cyber threat landscape and its impact on Nuclear and Critical National Infrastructure, where resilience is vital to national security and public safety. Drawing on personal experience and professional journey within the sector, it reflects on real-world challenges in securing complex OT and IT environments.

Decarbonisation of the maritime sector is driving a transition from conventional AC power systems to DC electrification, enabled by advances in efficiency, controllability, and integration of low-carbon technologies. We have completed a research project demonstrating the technical viability of hybrid energy storage systems combining batteries, supercapacitors, and superconducting magnetic energy storage to balance energy and power demands in shipboard microgrids. Building on this work, ongoing research focuses on power architectures based on primary and secondary DC grids for large vessels. This has improved understanding of DC fault conditions and short-circuit behaviour in shipboard microgrids, informing the performance and protection requirements of DC solid-state circuit breakers. A dedicated experimental test rig has also been developed to characterise DC SSCB performance.