Blockchain: Disrupting the Renewable Energy Landscape

This study, performed by SUSI Partners AG in cooperation with the Center for Innovative Finance of the University of Basel, provides an overview of the applications of blockchain technology in the field of renewable energies. We show that the use of blockchain technology can generate new and promising approaches for solutions to the current challenges facing the electricity and energy market. The most important insights of the study are summarized in the following four points: - This white paper identifies 14 use cases of blockchain technology in the area of renewable energies and divides them into five categories. - Some of the applications have a disruptive character and could thus result in great changes in the respective area. In particular peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading but also applications in the field of "asset management & operations" fall into this category. - Other areas of application can also be used in today's system. In this way, possible efficiency increases could be achieved primarily in the areas "asset transparency" and "grid operations". - The market overview (Chapter 4.2) shows a great interest in the potential applications of blockchain in the energy market. New blockchain start-ups and established companies are already active on the market. Since blockchain technology is very young, only few of the use cases have been able to reach market maturity at this point. One also has to consider that a regulatory framework still has to be created for the comprehensive use of blockchain technology in the energy market. However, this study illustrates the versatile potential of blockchain technology in the different areas, in order to facilitate the early positioning of all involved actors. It makes sense for investors to study this topic now - blockchain represents a key technology similar to the internet and will replace or at least alter existing business models.