Blockchain Technologies in Electric Energy Systems

Demand response (DR) programs development have been currently capturing significant interest by the utilities with the intention to match generation and demand in a more efficient way. The participation of DR programs in electricity markets has increased and has benefitted not only individual consumers but also the market as a whole. In addition, Blockchain and artificial intelligence are emerging technologies that have attracted significant attention from the industries and the academic community. Due to the impact of both technologies on energy systems, applications of blockchain technology in the energy field is explored, in this paper, because of its characteristics and the development needs of the energy Internet realm. An overview of demand response and blockchain technology that covers their types, enabling technologies, worldwide experiences, benefits and challenges are presented. Furthermore, techniques used in blockchain realization are also discussed. Finally, the paper winds up presenting a conceptual framework of blockchained-based proxy demand resources.