close
close

Overcoming regulatory challenges in renewable energy

Posted on by darion

Critical Infrastructure Security, Governance and Risk Management, Operational Technology (OT)

Joseph Couture for Risk Management and Cybersecurity at Ørsted

Tomek Pole (Security Editor) •
May 31, 2024


Joseph Couture, Regional Information Security Officer, Americas and CISO, United States, Ørsted


The rapidly growing renewable energy industry requires executives to view cybersecurity as an integral part of overall risk management strategies, said Joseph Couture, regional information security officer for the Americas and CISO for the United States at Ørsted. He advises organizations to conduct risk assessments and maintain clear communication with management to ensure a secure supply of renewable energy.

See also: On request | Navigating the SEC’s rules for enhanced cybersecurity in IT and OT environments


Ørsted faces complex regulatory challenges in the renewable energy sector. Couture shared insights into how the company conducts risk assessments and ensures management buy-in for cybersecurity measures, aligning them with European and US standards for optimal risk mitigation.


He explained that different regions have different approaches to energy regulation. “In Europe we have NIS 2 standards, which is a very prescriptive and mature set of rules. In the U.S., NERC CIP covers reliability standards but may not provide the desired level of risk reduction.”

In this video interview with Information Security Media Group at the Cyber ​​Security for Critical Assets USA Summit in Houston, Couture also discussed:

  • Ørsted’s proactive approach to risk and compliance assessment;

  • Aligning cybersecurity with regulatory standards;

  • Complex regulatory landscape of the energy sector.


Couture has 20 years of experience innovating digital security through a combination of strategy and technology. He has managed IT operations in the U.S., Canada and Central America for various organizations in industries including energy, biotechnology, hospitality and aquaculture.