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Review of blockchain-based distributed energy: Implications for institutional development

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  • Ahl, Amanda
  • Yarime, Masaru
  • Tanaka, Kenji
  • Sagawa, Daishi

Abstract

The future of energy is complex, with fluctuating renewable resources in increasingly distributed systems. It is suggested that blockchain technology is a timely innovation with potential to facilitate this future. Peer-to-peer (P2P) microgrids can support renewable energy as well as economically empower consumers and prosumers. However, the rapid development of blockchain and prospects for P2P energy networks is coupled with several grey areas in the institutional landscape. The purpose of this paper is to holistically explore potential challenges of blockchain-based P2P microgrids, and propose practical implications for institutional development as well as academia. An analytical framework for P2P microgrids is developed based on literature review as well as expert interviews. The framework incorporates 1) Technological, 2) Economic, 3) Social, 4) Environmental and 5) Institutional dimensions. Directions for future work in practical and academic contexts are identified. It is suggested that bridging the gap from technological to institutional readiness would require the incorporation of all dimensions as well as their inter-relatedness. Gradual institutional change leveraging community-building and regulatory sandbox approaches are proposed as potential pathways in incorporating this multi-dimensionality, reducing cross-sectoral silos, and facilitating interoperability between current and future systems. By offering insight through holistic conceptualization, this paper aims to contribute to expanding research in building the pillars of a more substantiated institutional arch for blockchain in the energy sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahl, Amanda & Yarime, Masaru & Tanaka, Kenji & Sagawa, Daishi, 2019. "Review of blockchain-based distributed energy: Implications for institutional development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 200-211.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:107:y:2019:i:c:p:200-211
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.03.002
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