Wed May 14 06:32:29 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the text as a news article:
**Summary:**
A concerning security vulnerability has been discovered in Chinese-made power inverters and batteries used in renewable energy infrastructure worldwide. These devices, critical for connecting solar panels and wind turbines to power grids, have been found to contain hidden communication devices that bypass existing firewalls. These “rogue” components could potentially allow remote access and control, enabling attackers to destabilize power grids, cause blackouts, and damage infrastructure. U.S. energy officials are reassessing the risks, and governments in other countries, including Lithuania and Estonia, are taking steps to mitigate the threat. The U.S. and other countries are considering or implementing bans on Chinese equipment, and utilities are seeking alternative suppliers. The discovery underscores growing concerns about China’s role in strategic infrastructure and its potential to exploit vulnerabilities for geopolitical advantage.
**News Article:**
**Hidden Communication Devices Found in Chinese Renewable Energy Tech, Sparking Security Fears**
**LONDON, May 14, 2025 (The Hindu)** – U.S. energy officials are urgently reassessing the security risks posed by Chinese-made power inverters and batteries used in renewable energy infrastructure after the discovery of undocumented communication equipment within these devices. The hidden components raise concerns about potential remote access and control, which could allow malicious actors to destabilize power grids and trigger widespread blackouts.
Power inverters, predominantly manufactured in China, are essential for connecting solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries to electricity grids worldwide. While these devices are designed for remote updates and maintenance, utility companies typically install firewalls to prevent direct communication back to China.
However, U.S. experts conducting security audits have found “rogue” communication devices, including cellular radios, in some Chinese solar power inverters and batteries. These undisclosed components provide additional communication channels that can circumvent existing firewalls.
“That effectively means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the grid,” one source familiar with the matter stated, highlighting the potential catastrophic consequences.
The U.S. government has not publicly acknowledged the discovery. However, a Department of Energy (DOE) spokesperson stated that the agency continually assesses risks associated with emerging technologies and emphasizes the need for manufacturers to fully disclose product capabilities.
Concerns over potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure have led to increased scrutiny of China’s role in strategic sectors. Several countries are now taking action to mitigate the threat. Lithuania has already passed a law restricting the use of Chinese inverters, and Estonia is considering similar measures.
In the U.S., Senators have introduced legislation to ban the Department of Homeland Security from purchasing batteries from certain Chinese entities. Utilities are also preparing for potential bans on Chinese inverter manufacturers, with some, like Florida Power & Light, actively seeking alternative suppliers.
The discovery underscores growing concerns about China’s dominance in the renewable energy sector and the potential for exploitation of security vulnerabilities for geopolitical advantage. Experts warn that even controlling a small number of inverters could cause widespread disruption to electricity supplies.
NATO officials have also weighed in, saying that China’s efforts to control member states’ critical infrastructure were intensifying and NATO must identify strategic dependencies and take steps to reduce them.
The energy sector is now facing increasing pressure to implement stronger security measures, following the lead of other industries like telecoms and semiconductors.
First Piper 