Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced that it has awarded a grant to Transelectrica S.A., Romania’s electricity transmission system operator, for a feasibility study and pilot project to enhance the company’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Transelectrica selected Virginia-based Pythia International Inc. to perform the study; California-based Fortinet Inc. will provide software for the pilot.
“Romania is strengthening its energy sector through strategic investments in areas such as cybersecurity. This study and pilot project will support Transelectrica’s efforts to optimize the deployment of innovative solutions that are specific to its needs,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “This project is also a good example of the catalytic role that USTDA plays in facilitating partnerships between U.S. industry and overseas project sponsors.”
The feasibility study will assess Transelectrica’s existing information technology (IT), operational technology (OT) and telecommunications infrastructure, include a pilot of cybersecurity software and develop an implementation roadmap for a Security Operations Center (SOC). The SOC will help strengthen Transelectrica’s cybersecurity infrastructure by serving as a single hub to manage and monitor its transmission network as well as identify and resolve cyber incidents. The SOC will enable system-wide visibility and improve the security of devices, processes, and IT and OT systems across the company.
Gabriel Andronache, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Transelectrica S.A., said: “We appreciate the active support of our U.S. partners in our efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, a fundamental component of the energy transition. We are confident that the results of the collaboration will add value, both in terms of expertise and especially in terms of processes and efforts to respond to energy cyber risks. Cybersecurity of the national electricity transmission system is one of the company’s highest priorities.”
For nearly 30 years, USTDA has supported Romania’s infrastructure goals by providing critical grant-based project preparation funding to more than 100 activities. Advancing Romania’s energy security has been a particular focus in recent years, including USTDA’s funding of a front-end engineering and design study to develop the country’s first small modular reactor nuclear power plant.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
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