Vattenfall calls for clearer state responsibility for energy security

Vattenfall Germany head Robert Zurawski is calling for clearer political responsibility regarding the protection of energy infrastructure. Citing a changed threat landscape due to geopolitical conflicts, Zurawski noted that while companies have invested heavily in IT security and site protection—including offshore locations—there remains a need for the state to define specific jurisdictions and responsibilities.

The security situation in Northern European waters has increased since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with reports suggesting research vessels have been used to spy on critical infrastructure. Vattenfall is currently developing the Nordlicht offshore wind project near Borkum, which aims to provide over 1.6 gigawatts of capacity.

In response to internal and external risks such as espionage or sabotage, German energy providers are increasingly focusing on the integrity of employees and service providers. Companies like Validato are providing background screening and human risk management to identify personnel risks before they lead to security incidents. These measures include continuous monitoring and re-screening to comply with sector-specific requirements, such as the Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2).