Danish companies have discovered unexplained components in imported electronics intended for energy infrastructure, raising concerns about potential security risks. One case is currently under investigation.

The industry association Green Power Denmark reported the findings after similar incidents in the United States, where transmitters were allegedly found in Chinese inverters for solar farms and batteries. These transmitters, according to anonymous sources, could bypass firewalls and destabilize the power grid, potentially causing power outages.

Green Power Denmark declined to specify the origin of the mysterious components or their intended use within the Danish energy infrastructure. However, the components were discovered through external inspections of imported electronics, mirroring the U.S. cases.

Jørgen Christensen, technical director at Green Power Denmark, acknowledged that while the components’ purpose remains unclear and may be benign, their presence is unsettling. He emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.

The discovery has prompted comparisons to previous cyberattacks where intruders infiltrated systems without causing immediate damage, suggesting possible preparations for future actions. While not a frequent occurrence, similar components have been found in imported electronics before.

While Denmark lacks mandatory inspections for all imported electronics, many major energy sector players conduct risk assessments and examine critical parts. Regulatory requirements for cybersecurity are also in place, increasing with the criticality of the managed infrastructure.

The supplier collaboration related to the discovered components has been suspended pending the investigation, and relevant authorities have been notified. Green Power Denmark stresses the importance of supplier security, especially considering the increasing reliance on solar and wind energy.

Christensen expressed greater concern over unregulated private solar panel systems, which could potentially be remotely deactivated en masse, causing significant disruption to the energy supply. Bent Ole Gram Mortensen, an energy law researcher, echoed concerns about large renewable energy plants, suggesting a “kill switch” could cripple the entire electricity grid.

According to the Center for Cyber ​​Security, Russia poses the primary cyber threat, while China engages in espionage. While China may lack the immediate intention to conduct destructive cyberattacks in Denmark, this could change in a conflict scenario.

The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) notes active espionage attempts against critical infrastructure in Denmark. While physical sabotage is deemed less likely, the threat landscape can rapidly change during escalating conflicts. Neither PET nor the Defence Intelligence Service provided comments on the discovered components.