The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) today announced the launch of Energy FIRST, an initiative to fortify the reliability, affordability, and security of the energy systems that power modern life and national defense. Energy FIRST is organized around five pillars:
- Fuel & Supply Chains – Ensuring reliable access to fuels, components, and critical materials;
- Infrastructure Modernization – Upgrading generation, transmission, and storage to meet future demand;
- Resilience – Preparing for disasters and speeding recovery;
- Security (Cyber-Physical) – Defending against evolving threats in both the digital and physical domains; and
- Technology & Adaptation – Leveraging AI and innovation while managing new risks.
IST is also proud to announce that Dr. Steven Burns, P.E. will lead Energy FIRST as Vice President for Energy and National Security. Dr. Burns brings a strong energy sector background to IST, having advised utilities and multinational industrial companies on power generation development and procurement strategies. He subsequently held senior government posts for more than 15 years. As Director for Energy Security at the White House National Security Council, he advised on U.S. response to global energy supply disruptions and coordinated with allies and industry to deliver critical equipment and fuel supplies during international crises. Before that, he was Chief of Energy and Infrastructure at USAID’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, where he designed and led pioneering assistance programs in areas such as energy-sector cybersecurity, network planning, and disaster recovery.
“Energy is the first order requirement for economic prosperity and national security—nothing works without it,” said Philip Reiner, IST Chief Executive Officer. “Through this banner effort, IST is mobilizing public- and private-sector partners to develop best practices for keeping critical energy supplies flowing, regardless of the threats we face.”
“From cyber-physical attacks and extreme weather to demand growth and fragile supply chains, our energy supply is under growing strain,” said Dr. Burns. “Energy FIRST is about bringing the right groups together from across the value chain to foresee and address the evolving and escalating risks.”
Energy FIRST will convene industry, government, and research partners to accelerate practical solutions across the initiative’s five pillars, driving near-term improvements in preparedness and recovery while building the long-term capacity required for a more reliable and secure energy sector.
