Title: An integrated conceptual model to secure digitally enabled smart grid towards sustainable energy

Authors: Vicent Mbonye; Indira Padayachee; Prabhakar Rontala Subramaniam

Addresses: Discipline of Information Systems & Technology, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, 4000 Durban, South Africa ' Discipline of Information Systems & Technology, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, 4000 Durban, South Africa ' Discipline of Information Systems & Technology, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract: Ensuring sustainable energy is vital in attaining several sustainability development goals. However, while there has been significant progress in delivering universal electricity access to attain these goals, it is projected that more than 670 million people will not have electricity access in 2030. Smart grid projects are currently underway in South Africa to address many energy challenges and provide more sustainable energy sources to the public. However, the literature shows that smart grids face various security threats that undermine their reliable operation. This paper argues that an essential part of the problem is that most stakeholders conduct security initiatives in silos. This paper adopts a systematic review approach and proposes an integrated model that could help the state and other smart grid stakeholders address smart grid security threats.

Keywords: smart grid; South Africa; sustainability; cyberattack; threats; energy; governance; collaboration; security; sustainable development goals.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2022.123849

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2022 Vol.16 No.3/4, pp.400 - 424

Received: 31 Jul 2020
Accepted: 22 Feb 2021
Published online: 04 Jul 2022 *

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