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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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Blockchain beyond its hype: validity of blockchain utilization in providing peer-to-peer electricity trading service

Author

Term

4. Term

Publication year

2019

Submitted on

Pages

76

Abstract

Energisektoren bevæger sig mod renere og mere lokal strøm fra distribuerede vedvarende kilder, det vil sige energi produceret mange steder i små anlæg. Denne udvikling skaber udfordringer, fordi små vedvarende anlæg er variable og har begrænset fleksibilitet til at balancere udbud og efterspørgsel. Digitale løsninger kan hjælpe med at forbinde og styre disse enheder. En teknologi, der får meget opmærksomhed, er blockchain, en delt digital logbog, der registrerer transaktioner sikkert. Den mest omtalte anvendelse i energi er at drive platforme for peer-to-peer handel med elektricitet, hvor brugere kan købe og sælge strøm direkte. Dette speciale undersøger, om blockchainens egenskaber kan opfylde behovene i peer-to-peer elhandelssystemer. Det ser på to forhold: miljø: om blockchain kan bidrage til at reducere brugen af fossile brændsler og dermed CO2-udledning; og økonomi: om sådanne platforme kan drives med lave omkostninger for brugerne.

The energy sector is shifting toward cleaner and more local power from distributed renewable sources, meaning energy produced at many small sites. This growth creates challenges because small-scale renewables are variable and offer limited flexibility in matching supply and demand. Digital solutions can help connect and manage these units. One technology attracting attention is blockchain, a shared digital ledger used to record transactions securely. Its most discussed energy use is running platforms for peer-to-peer electricity trading, where users buy and sell power directly. This thesis investigates whether blockchain’s characteristics meet the needs of peer-to-peer electricity trading systems. It examines two aspects: environmental: whether blockchain can help reduce fossil fuel use and, in turn, carbon emissions; and economic: whether such platforms can operate at low cost for end users.

[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]