Corneliu Bodea, CEO of Adrem, believes technological progress could lead to an era of “energy abundance” within at least 10–15 years. Until then, however, the energy sector will face a period of turbulence marked by price volatility, accelerating electrification and increasingly complex technical and commercial systems. Against this backdrop, investment in cybersecurity will need to increase significantly, he said during the Energy Cybersecurity Forum held in Cluj-Napoca.

“I see a future in which we will reach what is known as energy abundance. I believe this is at least 10–15 years away, but I am confident we will get there. Until then, however, we will go through a period of turbulence in the system, driven by the energy transition and electrification,” Corneliu Bodea said.

He explained that electrification is accelerating across all sectors of the economy, with electric vehicles representing just one example, although not necessarily the most significant one.

In his view, this transformation will increase pressure on the energy system and require continuous adaptation of infrastructure and commercial mechanisms.

“Without wishing to upset anyone, I do not believe we should expect a return to stable prices. I think we are moving towards a free market. A free market means volatility, and we will have volatility,” Bodea said.

Corneliu Bodea explained that market volatility and accelerating electrification will lead to increasingly interconnected technical control systems and commercial platforms managing energy consumption and prices.

“During this period of volatility, the main pressure will be on both the technical and operational command-and-control systems within the energy sector, which will need to adapt the system’s operation rapidly, in real time – including SCADA systems, process management systems and process automation systems – as well as on commercial systems, which will become increasingly important,” he said.