The growing integration of power grids with communication networks underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity. Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers a potent approach to secure power information based on physics laws. However, the challenge of limited quantum keys due to low key rates remains unresolved, necessitating the optimal planning of QKD networks. Therefore, this paper proposes a QKD network planning method to address uncertainties in power communication. First, the fiber QKD-based communication network is introduced. Then, the QKD network planning problem is formulated as a two-stage stochastic mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. The first stage models the quantum device deployment considering QKD processes and investment budgets. The second stage takes demand response as an example, considering scenario-dependent communication requests that fluctuate with the output of renewable energy resources. Finally, the proposed method is validated by a modified IEEE 30-bus system, with numerical results verifying its effectiveness in improving power cybersecurity.
The growing integration of power grids with communication networks underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity. Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers a potent approach to secure power information based on physics laws. However, the challenge of limited quantum keys due to low key rates remains unresolved, necessitating the optimal planning of QKD networks. Therefore, this paper proposes a QKD network planning method to address uncertainties in power communication. First, the fiber QKD-based communication network is introduced. Then, the QKD network planning problem is formulated as a two-stage stochastic mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. The first stage models the quantum device deployment considering QKD processes and investment budgets. The second stage takes demand response as an example, considering scenario-dependent communication requests that fluctuate with the output of renewable energy resources. Finally, the proposed method is validated by a modified IEEE 30-bus system, with numerical results verifying its effectiveness in improving power cybersecurity.
With the development of smart grids, the demand for cybersecurity is increasing rapidly. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which can theoretically achieve secure information transmission, has the potential to enhance the security of power communication. To overcome the structural limitations and resource constraints of current QKD-based communication schemes, this paper proposes a multi-resource hybrid QKD-based communication scheme for power grids. This scheme meets the diverse secure communication needs of power systems through the coordinated utilization of multiple QKD resources. First, the advantages and disadvantages of satellite, fiber, and wireless QKD methods, along with their respective application scenarios, are analyzed. Then, considering the synergistic effects of hybrid QKD and the varied demands of power businesses, a quantum resource deployment optimization model is established. This model aims to minimize the system’s information risk index and is reformulated as a solvable mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is validated using a modified IEEE RTS-79 test system and two real-world power communication systems. By analyzing on sensitivity, adaptability, scalability and IoT applications of various QKD methods, this study provides valuable insights for the large-scale deployment of quantum-secure power communication networks in the future.
Quantum communication is a promising technique for enhancing the information security. However, the limited availability of quantum keys due to low generation rates still remains a challenge in the quantum key distribution of power systems. To address this issue and optimize the utilization of quantum resources in the gradually developed quantum-secured power communication systems, this article proposes a hybrid resource optimization method by leveraging network virtualization technologies. First, we present a virtualized architecture using software-defined networking and network function virtualization to support multiapplication scenarios in power system communications. Subsequently, a two-stage resource optimization strategy is proposed to manage both classical and quantum resources. At the first stage, we design a network slicing scheme for allocating classical communication resources, such as channel capacity and time delay. This scheme aims to segregate information flows from applications with diversified quality of service requirements. At the second stage, encryption resources are allocated by matching limited quantum keys with communication requests with different priorities, thereby improving the overall performance of quantum-classical power communication systems. Finally, we construct a cosimulation testbed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method through case studies.
To meet the increasing demand for electricity and to have a more reliable and resilient electric grid against conventional and extreme events, grid modernization is more crucial now than ever before. This will require the development and deployment of devices that provide advanced communication capabilities. The overall efficiency, reliability, and resilience of the smart grid will be inextricably linked to the exchange of information between these devices. Unfortunately, the increased information flow will increase the potential attack surface and introduce new vulnerabilities. While a smarter grid will depend critically on information flow, these benefits will be accrued only if that information can be protected. Nowadays, information is secured in smart grids primarily through cryptography. However, with the increasing number of sophisticated attacks as well as the increasing computational power, the security of the “classical” cryptographic algorithms is threatened. Quantum information science offers solutions to this problem, specifically quantum key distribution (QKD), which provides a means for the generation and secure distribution of symmetric cryptographic keys. The security of QKD stems ultimately from the very nature of quantum physics. In this paper, we investigate the applicability of QKD to the various smart grid sectors and specific use cases. We have identified 18 smart grid use cases of interest for QKD suitability together with 7 QKD factors used for the assessment of the various use cases. For each use case, the impact to security of the loss of confidentiality, integrity, and/or availability is specified. In addition, the suitability of QKD is assessed for each use case with respect to multiple factors.
Smart grid solutions enable utilities and customers to better monitor and control energy use via information and communications technology. Information technology is intended to improve the future electric grid's reliability, efficiency, and sustainability by implementing advanced monitoring and control systems. However, leveraging modern communications systems also makes the grid vulnerable to cyberattacks. Here we report the first use of quantum key distribution (QKD) keys in the authentication of smart grid communications. In particular, we make such demonstration on a deployed electric utility fiber network. The developed method was prototyped in a software package to manage and utilize cryptographic keys to authenticate machine-to-machine communications used for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). This demonstration showcases the feasibility of using QKD to improve the security of critical infrastructure, including future distributed energy resources (DERs), such as energy storage.
Smart grid depends on an advanced communication network to collect information from the power grid, and to disseminate control commands to the control devices. To safeguard the power grid, it is crucial to ensure information confidentiality in the communication networks. Quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols help in generating, and distributing secret keys between communication parties, and such secret keys are required in symmetric cryptography. The combination of QKD protocols, and symmetric cryptography are known to be unconditionally secure, which means information confidentiality can be guaranteed even against an eavesdropper, who has unlimited resources. This article provides a concise review of existing works on QKD protocols, and their applications in smart grid communications. Deploying QKD protocols in smart grid is challenging because distance between the control center, and control devices can be larger than the limits of existing protocols. Also, QKD protocols require an expensive quantum channel between each pair of sender, and receiver nodes, and there is large number of control devices with diverse capabilities in smart grid. We have classified existing works based on the challenges they have dealt with. Compared to the rich literature on QKD protocols in general, there are significantly fewer works in the specific context of smart grid. This can be an indication for opportunity to make a significant contribution. We have also identified a few research challenges that can be potential future works.
The accelerating digitalization and decentralization of modern power systems expose critical communication infrastructures to escalating cyber risks, particularly under emerging quantum computing threats. This paper presents an integrated techno-economic framework to evaluate the feasibility of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for secure power-system communications. A stochastic system model is developed to jointly capture time-varying key demand, QKD supply under optical-loss constraints, station-side buffering, and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) fallback mechanisms. Analytical conditions are derived for service-level assurance, including buffer stability, outage probability, and availability bounds. Building on this, two quantitative metrics, including the Levelized Cost of Security (LCoSec) and Cost of Incremental Security (CIS), are formulated to unify capital, operational, and risk-related expenditures within a discounted net-present-value framework. Using IEEE 118-bus, 123-node, and 39-bus test systems, we conduct discrete-event simulations comparing PQC-only, QKD-only, and Hybrid architectures across multiple topologies and service profiles. Results show that Hybrid architectures dominated by QKD significantly reduce key-outage probability and SLA shortfalls, achieving near-unit availability for real-time and confidentiality-critical services. Economic analyses reveal clear breakeven zones where QKD-enhanced deployments become cost-effective, primarily in metropolitan and distribution-level networks under moderate optical loss and buffer sizing. The proposed framework provides a reproducible, risk-aware decision tool for guiding large-scale, economically justified QKD adoption in future resilient power-system infrastructures.