III International Conference on Cybersecurity and Electric Critical Infrastructure

On October 23, the 3rd International Conference on Cybersecurity and Critical Electric Infrastructure in Chile took place, with the Chile-Germany Energy Partnership collaborating in its organization and contributing speakers who shared Germany’s experience and approach to cybersecurity and resilience in the energy sector.

The conference was held at a key moment for the country, with the Cybersecurity Framework Law in full implementation, positioning cybersecurity as a pillar of governance, trust, and operational continuity. The event was consolidated as a multisectoral meeting point for authorities, regulators, operators, industry, and academia.

The conference served as an important space for the exchange of knowledge and best practices among different countries, highlighting the importance of cooperation to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructures and to advance toward safer, more sustainable, and more resilient energy systems. The goal was to learn, align standards, and strengthen cooperation under a shared vision: to enhance the cyber resilience of critical infrastructures and protect the energy that powers Chile.

The event featured the participation of international experts from industry and regulation. Representing Germany:

• Carola Bruhn, Head of the Economic and Cooperation Section at the German Embassy in Chile, delivered welcoming remarks, introducing the challenges Germany faces in cybersecurity and mentioning recent legislative advances, such as the new Critical Infrastructure Framework Law.

• Cornelis Hilscher, cybersecurity and regulatory specialist at the Federal Network Agency of Germany (Bundesnetzagentur), shared insights into regulatory developments and European cybersecurity policies in the energy sector, emphasizing that regulation must respond to the increasing risks of the energy transition.

• Torsten Benzin, Legal Advisor at 50Hertz Transmission GmbH, highlighted the path taken by Germany and the European Union in evolving from legislation focused on critical assets to one centered on the resilience of the entire system and critical services. He also provided a perspective on the practical implementation of cybersecurity legislation among transmission system operators.

The conference was organized by the National Electric Coordinator and Fortinet, with the collaboration of the Chile-Germany Energy Partnership, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).

The event was sponsored by institutions such as the Ministry of Energy, the National Energy Commission (CNE), the Superintendence of Electricity and Fuels (SEC), and the National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCI), along with academic institutions including Adolfo Ibáñez University and Pontifical Catholic University Anacleto Angelini.