Blockchain Technologies for Smart Energy Systems: Fundamentals, Challenges, and Solutions

In this article, we discuss the integration of the blockchain into smart energy systems. We present various blockchain technology solutions, review important blockchain platforms, and describe several blockchain -based smart energy projects in different domains. The majority of blockchain platforms with embedded combination of blockchain technology solutions are computing- and resource -intensive and, hence, are not entirely suitable for smart energy applications. We consider the requirements of smart energy systems and accordingly identify appropriate blockchain technology solutions for smart energy applications. Our analysis can help in the development of flexible blockchain platforms for smart energy systems.