NREL and BlockCypher Demonstrate Secure, Peer-to-Peer Energy Transactions

NREL used blockchain technology to stage a simple, distributed energy marketplace between two simulated home energy systems. Such a marketplace removes the need for a centralized arbitrator by enabling trust among participants.

Researchers demonstrated a distributed energy marketplace in the ESIF's Systems Performance Laboratory, where two realistic home energy systems exchanged energy according to a blockchain-based smart contract, facilitated by BlockCypher. The smart contract determines autonomous energy exchanges between a foresee^TM home energy management system in each home.