Blockchain-based management of demand response in electric energy grids: A systematic review

Abstract

The complexities associated with modern energy grids, including high penetration levels of renewable energy sources at the end use customers, the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), as well as decentralized energy management systems and energy data portals and services, require secure, reliable and cost-effective new platforms to administer such systems in a transparent manner. Blockchain technology can address such challenging complexities efficiently. This paper presents a thorough literature review of all potential blockchain applications in electric energy systems. First, all potential blockchain application possibilities and constraints in electric energy systems have been identified. Then, the implementations of blockchain technology in power systems are divided into various categories, such as demand response (DR), EVs, decentralized energy management, energy trading and distributed renewable energy. A detailed literature analysis is conducted by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in a systematic approach using credible and reliable database systems such as IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Scopus to highlight current advancements in blockchain technology uses in electric energy systems particularly in DR, as well as future potential and existing problems. The paper is divided into three parts. The first part lists the important publications that have delved into the implementation of Blockchain in demand response. Trends of Blockchain applications in other electric energy system areas are detailed in the second section. The final part highlights the evolution and advancement of blockchain-based electric energy systems including favourable attributes of structures and designs, as well as the challenges and future trends.