Aggregation and Grid Security Workshop

NREL is hosting a 2-day workshop on distributed energy resources and virtual power plant cybersecurity.

Join the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Solar Energy Technologies Office and NREL June 17–18, 2025, for the Aggregation and Grid Security Workshop on cybersecurity for distributed energy resources (DERs) and virtual power plants (VPPs).

As DERs increasingly integrate with the grid, the system becomes more digitally connected and software defined. This modernization drives new utility business models, with a growing number of nonutility stakeholders—such as VPP owners, operators, and aggregators—playing an active role in energy markets and providing grid services.

Although participation varies by state, cybersecurity policies and processes vary widely for managing and maintaining aggregated DER systems, tools, and technologies that enhance coordination across multiple stakeholders while maintaining data confidentiality and standards and regulations defining roles and responsibilities. This variability across distribution systems presents a major challenge in applying consistent and interoperable cybersecurity policies and procedures to ensure a secure and stable grid at the national level. Therefore, it is essential to understand and visualize the risks to better anticipate cascading failures in the future electric grid.

This workshop will bring together DER aggregators, VPP owners and operators, manufacturers, utilities, installers, and practitioners to address the escalating cybersecurity challenges facing aggregated distributed systems.

Through expert-led and topic-focused presentations and discussion sessions, participants will learn how compromised systems could impact the U.S. bulk electric system and explore actionable steps to accelerate the adoption of both basic and advanced cybersecurity controls. The workshop will provide valuable tools and strategies to help participants assess risk distribution, protect systems and devices, and enhance grid reliability.

The registration for this workshop is now closed. If you missed the deadline and are still interested in attending, email Danish and Emily.

Contact

If you have questions about the 2-day workshop, email Danish Saleem or Emily Waligoske.