Contribution to a conference proceedings/Contribution to a book

FZJ-2026-03302

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Low-Latency QKD Protection of Synchrophasor Data Using a Low-Cost PMU

Albanese, M. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Hamila, R.RWTH* ; Carta, D.FZJ* ; Ponci, F.RWTH* ; Benigni, A.FZJ*

2026
IEEE

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1109/GPECOM70462.2026.11578501

Abstract: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a promising technology for securing critical power-system communications, but its use for real-time synchrophasor traffic has seen limited experimental validation. This paper presents a laboratory experimental implementation of QKD-based protection for realtime IEEE C37.118 synchrophasor data. The approach relies on the flexibility of a low-cost Synchronized Measurement Unit (SMU), which integrates measurement, packet protection, and local key management in a single device. To avoid runtime delays caused by live Key Management Entity (KME) access, quantumgenerated keys are pre-delivered to local key pools hosted on the transmitting and receiving SMUs. This enables One-Time Pad (OTP) protection of synchrophasor traffic without placing KME interaction on the critical message path. The implementation is validated using commercial Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), a commercial Phasor Data Concentrator (PDC), and a Toshiba QKD system under representative and stress traffic conditions, with latency and key sustainability as the main evaluation metrics.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Modellierung von Energiesystemen (ICE-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 1121 - Digitalization and Systems Technology for Flexibility Solutions (POF4-112) (POF4-112)
2. 1122 - Design, Operation and Digitalization of the Future Energy Grids (POF4-112) (POF4-112)
3. 1123 - Smart Areas and Research Platforms (POF4-112) (POF4-112)
4. QuGrids - Quantum-based Energy Grids (QuGrids20231101) (QuGrids20231101)

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