Blockchain-based Platform for Energy Trading
Sector: Secondary sector · Industry: Electronics and electrical industry · Organisation: Spectral · Maturity level: Pilot
The general blockchain market in the energy sector is described as growing strongly with an estimated volume of 3.1 billion USD in 2024 and an annual growth rate of 41.6 percent until 2034. Peer-to-peer energy trading is being tested in various pilot projects to automate transactions via smart contracts and reduce intermediaries. This technology aims to optimize complex and non-transparent trading systems while the energy market becomes more decentralized through small producers and consumers.
Documentation status
- Project status: Pilot
- Evidence: Evidence high
- Editorial review: Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026
Description
The Brooklyn Microgrid was initiated by LO3 Energy (CEO Lawrence Orsini), Siemens (microgrid control systems, financing via Next47), and ConsenSys. The first paid P2P energy transaction took place on 11 April 2016: Bob Sauchelli bought solar power directly from his neighbour Eric Frumin. The TransActive Grid platform combines smart meters with Ethereum blockchain software, linked with PayPal for payment processing.
In 2010, Martha Cameron installed 18 solar panels in Park Slope — her meter ran backwards on sunny days, but feed-in brought little revenue. In 2016, this changed: LO3 Energy built the first blockchain-based P2P energy grid with TransActive Grid. On 11 April 2016, the world’s first paid P2P energy transaction took place. Fifty meters were installed in the Brooklyn city area (Park Slope, Gowanus, Boerum Hill). Technically: Ethereum blockchain + smart contracts + smart meters; linked with PayPal. Background: Hurricane Sandy (2012) knocked out large parts of infrastructure with long power lines — the microgrid is deliberately local and more resilient. Siemens supplies microgrid control systems ensuring power flows to hospitals, shelters, and community centres during disasters. LO3 expanded the concept to Cornwall (UK) in partnership with Centrica, the third-largest energy supplier in the UK with 21.8 million customers. Consumers save 6–12% on electricity bills; solar producers earn 18–37% more than through traditional feed-in tariffs.
Perspectives
B2B — organisations perspective
Energy suppliers like Centrica can build local P2P markets for their customers via the LO3 model without a complete infrastructure overhaul. Smart contracts automate billing and energy flow control.
B2C — consumers perspective
Households with solar panels receive significantly more for surplus solar power than through traditional feed-in tariffs. Tenants without their own solar panels gain first-time access to renewable neighbourhood energy at prices below grid electricity.
Employees perspective
Employees in the energy sector must adapt to new technological requirements and develop skills in blockchain technology and smart contract management. At the same time, new jobs arise in the development and maintenance of decentralized energy systems.
Benefits
General
- Reducing intermediaries leads to lower transaction costs in energy trading.
- Automation through smart contracts increases efficiency and reduces manual processes.
- Increased transparency in energy trading through immutable blockchain records.
B2B — organisations
- Energy companies can develop new decentralized business models and strengthen their market position.
B2C — consumers
- Households can earn additional income by directly selling surplus energy.
Employees
- New career opportunities arise in blockchain development and management of decentralized energy systems.
Challenges
General
- Regulatory uncertainties hinder the widespread adoption of decentralized energy trading systems.
- Integration with existing energy infrastructures and smart meter systems is technically complex and costly.
B2B — organisations
- Traditional energy suppliers must rethink and adapt their existing business models.
B2C — consumers
- Consumers need to understand and learn to accept new technologies.
Employees
- Employees require retraining in new technologies and decentralized energy management systems.
Technology foundation
Blockchain technology is used to create decentralized energy trading systems where smart contracts automatically handle transactions between energy producers and consumers. This technology enables direct energy trading without central intermediaries while documenting all transactions transparently and immutably.
Tags
Energy trading, Smart contracts, Decentralisation, Peer-to-peer, Automation