From Grid to Code: Shaping the Cybersecure Energy Future Together

As digitalization transforms the global energy landscape, cybersecurity is becoming a top priority. Reflecting its growing importance, the topic has been integrated into the 2025 work program of the Jordanian-German Energy Partnership. Within the framework of the Working Group on “Digitalisation”, cybersecurity will be a core focus of bilateral exchange throughout the year. 

One recent highlight was the two days’ workshop “IEC 62443 & Beyond: Elevating Cyber Security in Jordan’s Energy Infrastructure,” held in Amman on 7 and 8 April. The event brought together leading voices from Jordan’s energy sector — including the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) — and experts from the cybersecurity community. The workshop offered a dynamic platform for forward-looking discussions and the joint development of strategies to protect critical energy infrastructure. 

Co-moderated by Eng. Ahmad Bataineh (NEPCO) and Ms. Jana Hammerer (German Energy Agency – dena), the session took place at the German Energy Academy and was designed as a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and virtual participation. A standout contribution came from Prof. Dr. Thomas Störtkuhl (TÜV Süd), who joined remotely to share valuable insights on international cybersecurity standards, with a strong focus on IEC 62443 — the globally recognized benchmark for cybersecurity in industrial automation and control systems (IACS). 

Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between energy operators and regulators. They also highlighted the need for continued dialogue, practical knowledge exchange, and enhanced local capacity-building. 

The insights and outcomes from the workshop will directly inform future initiatives under the Energy Partnership — all with the shared goal of strengthening cyber resilience in the energy sector in both Jordan and Germany, supporting the energy transition through targeted knowledge exchange and political support.