2024-Wrapped: Celebrating CESER’s Successes by the Numbers

At the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), it is our mission to ensure the integrity of the nation’s energy infrastructure. That’s why we work hand in hand with industry partners and other integral stakeholders to provide robust support — developing the tools, training, and resources necessary to maintain and protect our nation’s energy infrastructure.

2024 was a pivotal year and we’ve made remarkable strides in enhancing the resilience of our nation’s energy systems, strengthening cybersecurity protocols and leading efforts to address energy security in the face of global challenges.

Below is a snapshot of just a few of our proudest moments of the last year: 2024 told by the numbers.

Training and Collaboration: Fortifying the Industry

• 580 professionals participated in 13 CESER-sponsored cyber exercises, including 315 Clear Path participants in Hawai’i and Michigan and 375 Liberty Eclipse participants. As CESER staff is continuing to explore the latest cybersecurity tools and methodologies, our staff participated in 21 external exercises as well.
• 1,825 cyber professionals participated in 53 CyberStrike deliveries. CyberStrike helps the energy sector owner and operators prepare for a cyber incident impacting operational technology.
• In total, over 2,000 state officials engaged in CESER-supported events, trainings and webinars. 
• Representatives from 68 countries from around the globe gathered at the White House to listen to the Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger and CESER Director Puesh M. Kumar discuss the importance of the Supply Chain Cybersecurity Principles.
• As part of its Cyber Testing for Resilient Industrial Control Systems™ (CyTRICS) program, CESER signed two new CyTRICS partners and expanded its partner agreement to include subsidiaries, creating a total of eight CyTRICS industry partners. 

Education: Paving the Way for the Future 

• 875 students from 154 unique institutions participated in five CESER-supported CyberForce activities, including the CyberForce Competition®; Conquer the Hill: Command; Conquer the Hill: Adventure; Conquer the Hill: Reign; and the Collegiate Career Fair.  
• 16 energy sector professionals graduated from the Operational Technology (OT) Defender Fellowship, a selective educational opportunity focused on defending the US OT energy infrastructure led by CESER and the Idaho National Laboratory. These graduates round out the fellowship’s alumni to 50 as of January 2025.  
• In 2024, CESER invested $15 million for research and training at seven university-based cybersecurity centers to bridge the gap in energy security research and provide cybersecurity education programs. Universities, like New York University, are collaborating with industry partners to conduct innovative research and meet the needs of the growing cyber workforce.  

Responding to Challenges: Swift Action, Resilient Recovery 

• In 2024, CESER supported industry and Federal partners during 10 emergency response activations, such as Hurricanes Milton and Helene, and six National Special Security Events.  
• In response to emergencies, 84 Emergency Support Function (ESF) #12 responders were deployed to these 16 events for a total of 193 days combined. These responders are highly skilled, volunteer DOE federal employees who rapidly mobilize when a major disaster or emergency causes damage to energy systems.  

Securing Energy for our Future  

• The Office of Petroleum Reserves announced the direct purchase of nearly 38 million barrels of crude oil in 2024 for delivery into three Strategic Petroleum Reserve sites. This will keep the domestic market well supplied and ultimately helping to bring down prices for American consumers and businesses. 
• CESER competitively selected 18 new RD&D projects that will invest $64 million to improve the security and resilience of the energy sector. These projects will address a range of key energy sector risks, including cybersecurity, extreme weather, wildfires, and physical security. 
• U.S. utilities donated over 11,000 feet of advanced conductors for resilience testing by CESER’s national laboratory partners, primarily focused on wildfire exposure. 

While CESER made significant progress in 2024 enhancing the nation’s energy security and resilience with innovative research and collaborative partnership, our work is not done. In 2025, CESER will remain vigilant – facing emerging challenges with the latest in tools and technologies to advance a secure energy future for all Americans.