Digitalization of security in the energy sector: evolution of EU law and policy

Abstract

This article analyses the dynamics and implications of the digitalization of security in the energy sector. Based on an evolutionary review of legal and policy instruments, we map the pace and internal dynamics of the digitalization of security in the European Union over the past 15 years. Our analysis reveals substantial changes in the conceptions and dynamics of security in the energy sector. First, we find that digitalization has only recently penetrated into the core of the energy sector’s security paradigm. Secondly, we uncover a significant disconnect in the conceptualization of the risk as against the opportunities associated with digitalization. Thirdly, we identify the growing influence of cross-sectoral instruments in the energy sector. Fourthly, we find that energy security does not feature in the overarching security discourse relating to the use of data-driven technologies in the energy sector. The findings illustrate the difficulties that managers, policymakers and researchers face when trying to keep up with the rapid technological change in the energy transition and the ensuing evolution of the energy sector’s security paradigm.