A Quantum Key Distribution for Securing Smart Grids

The development of Smart Grids (SGs) is a current trend and an indispensable essential living requirement. Due to economic development and improved quality of life, electricity demand has rapidly increased. However, the power grids in major cities have become outdated, leading to uneven power distribution and frequent power outages. SGs can adjust distribution strategies based on consumers’ real-time electricity demands, which requires continuous transmission of consumer electricity data within the grid. If the privacy and security of these data cannot be ensured, consumers’ habits will be exposed, and unnecessary waste may occur. In this article, we propose a key distribution process based on QKD, enabling entities within the SG to encrypt and authenticate each other’s data, ensuring the security and privacy of communication channels and transmitted data.