This article presents a comprehensive analysis of photovoltaic (PV) systems, focusing on their development and emerging security challenges over the past decade in Europe and Romania. It begins by presenting regional deployment trends and the increasing significance of PV systems in national energy strategies. In the Romanian context, a risk-based evaluation is conducted to assess the technical vulnerabilities and strategic relevance of PV installations, emphasizing the necessity to formally integrate them into the category of critical infrastructure. The study explores current safety practices, cybersecurity measures, and physical protections, identifying gaps that may affect operational continuity and infrastructure reliability. Given the growing exposure of PV systems to digital threats, the need for robust and adaptive cybersecurity strategies is also highlighted. In line with the principles of a sustainable circular economy, this work underlines the importance of embedding risk management and technical reliability across the entire lifecycle of PV systems. The authors propose recommendations aiming to enhance the resilience, security, and sustainable evolution of PV systems as vital components of a modern, decarbonized energy infrastructure.

The current global energy crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, it highlights the fragility of an old power system based on fossil fuels, geopolitical dependencies and often the precariousness and age of equipment and installations, affecting the economy, security and social stability on a national, regional and world scale. The risk of blackout thus becomes not only a technological threat, but a symbol of the need for a paradigm shift. The energy future must be sustainable, collaborative and adaptable—to guarantee not only the continuity of services with electricity, but also the stability of modern society. This paper provides an intrinsic interdisciplinary analysis on the causes, implications and possible solutions related to major imbalances in contemporary power systems, emphasizing the growing risk of blackout (large power outages). The main causes of crises are analyzed interdisciplinary, such as: insecurity in the functioning of the National Power System, terrorist attack on the National Power System, extreme weather condition, natural calamity, energy insecurity and political/military insecurity. The paper highlights the interdependence between energy infrastructure and energy security, as well as the vulnerability of power grids to cyberattacks, natural disasters and consumer pressures. In addition, socio-economic, technological and political issues are addressed, providing an integrated view of the phenomenon. Finally, national, regional and bilateral mitigation, limitation and restoration (resilience) procedures and measures are proposed in the event of an electricity crisis—blackout.