A Study on the Framework in Evolving Energy Trading from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0

The Energy Trading System is a platform that enables energy providers to participate in the trading market and gain profits. Historically, traditional energy sources such as coal-fired power plants, natural gas-driven power plants, and nuclear power plants have held a dominant position in the energy market. However, since the 2000s, the development of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), including solar panels and wind generators, has given rise to the concept of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and microgrids. These systems aggregate DERs for active participation in the energy market. In recent years, some aspects of Web 3.0, including AI and blockchain, have been incorporated into VPPs and microgrids. Nevertheless, the evolution of the new Energy Trading System is ‘Web 3.0-like’ but may not fully embody the spirit of Web 3.0 which aims to create a more open, equitable, and collaborative online ecosystem that empowers individuals. This article addresses issues, such as the transparency challenge, that run counter to the Web 3.0 spirit and proposes a framework for an open Energy Trading Market based on Web 3.0 principles to resolve these challenges.