Strengthening energy security through international partnership

On 20 and 21 April, NESO hosted its first International Security Roundtable in London. We brought together more than 40 representatives from across the energy and security community, including energy system operators from Europe and the Five Eyes nations (the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia), UK transmission operators, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ofgem, the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Protective Security Authority.

The roundtable created space for open, practical discussion about the risks facing energy systems today and how we work together to manage them. As Britain’s National Energy System Operator, we operate today’s electricity system and design tomorrow’s energy system. Collaboration like this is essential to doing both securely and confidently.

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Why this matters now

The timing of this roundtable reflects a rapidly changing global picture. Geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflict continue to have serious human consequences. As NESO’s Chief Executive, Fintan Slye, said in his opening remarks, our thoughts are with all those affected by these events.

These pressures also shape the energy system. Global instability affects energy prices and markets, with real impacts for households and businesses in Great Britain. Volatility driven by fossil fuels remains one of the most visible energy security challenges we face.

At the same time, threats to energy infrastructure are becoming more complex. We see a growing mix of physical, digital and environmental risks, from cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns to the effects of extreme weather linked to climate change. Taken together, these risks underline the importance of a secure, resilient and affordable energy system.

Energy security is national security

The UK Government’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review and National Security Strategy both highlight that Critical National Infrastructure, including energy assets, is an increasingly attractive target for hostile actors.

Our experience reflects this reality. NESO is regularly targeted by a range of threats, including attempts to undermine public trust through disinformation and efforts to exploit insider access. Beyond the UK, risks to interconnected energy systems are rising, from subsea infrastructure such as interconnectors to the global supply chains we all depend on.

For all of us, this means energy security and national security are increasingly inseparable. By working together as trusted partners, we can better protect vital infrastructure, strengthen resilience and provide reassurance to consumers.

The value of coming together

Delegates shared candid and insightful perspectives shaped by different geographies, technologies and operating environments. We were particularly grateful to those who spoke about direct, frontline experience of energy infrastructure being targeted, and the lessons learned from operating under sustained pressure. 

These conversations reinforced a shared responsibility. No organisation or country can address these challenges alone. By building strong relationships, sharing intelligence and learning from one another, we put ourselves in a better position to keep energy systems reliable, clean and affordable.

Thank you to everyone who took part and contributed so openly. We were proud to host this first International Security Roundtable and look forward to building on these partnerships in the months ahead. We were honoured to have representation from:

• Alberta Electric System Operator
• Augstsprieguma tīkls
• Australian Energy Market Operator 
• Cabinet Office
• DESNZ
• Electric Reliability Council of Texas 
• ENTSO-E
• Independent Electricity System Operator 
• National Gas
• National Grid
• National Grid Electricity Transmission 
• National Cyber Security Centre 
• National Protective Security Authority 
• Ofgem
• Réseau de Transport d'Électricité 
• Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks 
• Scottish Power Energy Networks 
• Statnett
• System Operator for Northern Ireland 
• Transpower New Zealand 
• Ukrenergo

NESO will be sharing the event outcomes with all delegates and further developing a programme of engagement.