Britain Removes Chinese Components From The National Grid

Uploaded on 2023-12-19 in INTELLIGENCE-Hot Spots-China, FREE TO VIEW, BUSINESS-Production-Utilities, BUSINESS-Production-Energy

Britain's National Grid (NGL) has begun removing components that were supplied by a unit of China-backed Nari Technology's from the electricity transmission network because of cyber security fears. NGL's decision is a consequence following advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, part of the UK's Intelligence Agency GCHQ.

This development mirrors similar adice to the UK Telecoms sector in 2020 which resulted in removal of equipment supplied by Huawei from Britain's communications infrastructure.

Based in Nanjing, Nari Technology is a state-controlled company is a major supplier of components that manage and improve the performance of electricity grids.

NGL has declined to comment citing confidential contractual matters. "We take the security of our infrastructure very seriously, and have effective controls in place to protect our employees and critical assets to ensure we can continue to reliably, safely and securely transmit electricity", it said in a statement.

According to sources, Nari's UK subsidiary no longer had access to sites where the components were installed and that National Grid did not disclose a reason for terminating the contracts. It is understood that the components removed control and balance the grid and minimise the risk of blackouts.

Britain's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said that it did not comment on the individual business decisions taken by private organisations. "As a government department we work closely with the private sector to safeguard our national security," it said in a statement.

Reuters: SCMP: LondonSouthEast: Deccan Herald: Economic Times: FT:

Image: American Public Power Association

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