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Best practices for analyzing the direct energy use of blockchain technology systems: Review and policy recommendations

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  • Lei, Nuoa
  • Masanet, Eric
  • Koomey, Jonathan

Abstract

There are a growing number of blockchain applications in energy systems, but surprisingly little is known about their direct energy demand outside of cryptocurrency applications. Addressing this knowledge gap should be a key policy priority so that the energy use of blockchain systems can be better understood and managed as applications proliferate. To help policy makers and energy analysts achieve this goal, this article makes three contributions. First, we present a brief review of blockchain system components, energy demand drivers, and emerging applications to provide a common conceptual foundation. Second, we propose best practices for energy analysis of blockchain systems and identify best practice lapses in previous literature that presently cloud our understanding of energy use. Finally, we propose priority research areas to address identified lapses and knowledge gaps, which would ensure future research produces data and estimates that are maximally relevant to energy policy decisions.

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  • Lei, Nuoa & Masanet, Eric & Koomey, Jonathan, 2021. "Best practices for analyzing the direct energy use of blockchain technology systems: Review and policy recommendations," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:156:y:2021:i:c:s0301421521002925
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112422
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Zhang, Dongna & Chen, Xihui Haviour & Lau, Chi Keung Marco & Xu, Bing, 2023. "Implications of cryptocurrency energy usage on climate change," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    4. Mariusz Niekurzak, 2021. "The Potential of Using Renewable Energy Sources in Poland Taking into Account the Economic and Ecological Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-17, November.
    5. Roth, Tamara & Utz, Manuel & Baumgarte, Felix & Rieger, Alexander & Sedlmeir, Johannes & Strüker, Jens, 2022. "Electricity powered by blockchain: A review with a European perspective," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 325(C).
    6. Ren, Yi-Shuai & Ma, Chao-Qun & Chen, Xun-Qi & Lei, Yu-Tian & Wang, Yi-Ran, 2023. "Sustainable finance and blockchain: A systematic review and research agenda," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    7. Alessandra Chiarini & Lorenzo Compagnucci, 2022. "Blockchain, Data Protection and P2P Energy Trading: A Review on Legal and Economic Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-20, December.
    8. Chunguang April Bai & James Cordeiro & Joseph Sarkis, 2022. "Blockchain for the environmentally sustainable enterprise," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(8), pages 3689-3692, December.
    9. Pankaj Agrrawal & Faye W. Gilbert & Jason Harkins, 2022. "Time Dependence of CAPM Betas on the Choice of Interval Frequency and Return Timeframes: Is There an Optimum?," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-18, November.
    10. Ziyu Duan & Seiyong Kim, 2023. "Progress in Research on Net-Zero-Carbon Cities: A Literature Review and Knowledge Framework," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-27, August.
    11. Mariusz Niekurzak & Jerzy Mikulik, 2021. "Modeling of Energy Consumption and Reduction of Pollutant Emissions in a Walking Beam Furnace Using the Expert Method—Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-22, December.
    12. Ewelina Kochanek, 2021. "Evaluation of Energy Transition Scenarios in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-13, September.
    13. Carlo Gola & Johannes Sedlmeir, 2022. "Addressing the Sustainability of Distributed Ledger Technology," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 670, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    14. Blanka Tundys & Agnieszka Bretyn, 2023. "Energy Transition Scenarios for Energy Poverty Alleviation: Analysis of the Delphi Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-20, February.

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