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The development of energy blockchain and its implications for China's energy sector

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  • Zhu, Shuai
  • Song, Malin
  • Lim, Ming Kim
  • Wang, Jianlin
  • Zhao, Jiajia

Abstract

With technology progressing and the decreasing cost of renewable energy, consumers require energy supply to be smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable than before. By providing a decentralized trading mechanism, blockchain technology can facilitate sustainable energy consumption and achieve a circular economy. This study analyzes how China can employ blockchain technology to reform its energy sector. We survey the progress of blockchain technology in the energy sector and explore typical cases of energy blockchains in the world. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of applying blockchain to China's energy sector. China's monopoly market structure in energy supply impedes the application of blockchain technology, but the expansion of clean energy provides a huge opportunity for it. Although China's technological level is lagging, the biggest obstacle is not technology but rather policy. We conclude that China should loosen its regulatory environment, amend the relevant laws, and balance the conflict between management and innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Shuai & Song, Malin & Lim, Ming Kim & Wang, Jianlin & Zhao, Jiajia, 2020. "The development of energy blockchain and its implications for China's energy sector," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:66:y:2020:i:c:s0301420719307391
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2020.101595
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    15. Yahia Baashar & Gamal Alkawsi & Ammar Ahmed Alkahtani & Wahidah Hashim & Rina Azlin Razali & Sieh Kiong Tiong, 2021. "Toward Blockchain Technology in the Energy Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-20, August.
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    18. Nazir Ullah & Waleed S. Alnumay & Waleed Mugahed Al-Rahmi & Ahmed Ibrahim Alzahrani & Hosam Al-Samarraie, 2020. "Modeling Cost Saving and Innovativeness for Blockchain Technology Adoption by Energy Management," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-22, September.
    19. Zhe Wang & Ziling Yu & Lili Ma & Aolei Li, 2022. "The Digital Economy and the Energy “Internal Circulation”: Evidence from China’s Interprovincial Energy Trade," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-16, November.
    20. Yildizbasi, Abdullah, 2021. "Blockchain and renewable energy: Integration challenges in circular economy era," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 183-197.
    21. Ding, Wangwang & Du, Juntao & Kazancoglu, Yigit & Mangla, Sachin Kumar & Song, Malin, 2023. "Financial development and the energy net-zero transformation potential," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 125(C).
    22. Zhou, Fangkezi & Pan, Yinghao & Wu, Jie & Xu, Chengzhen & Li, Xingchen, 2024. "The impact of green finance on renewable energy development efficiency in the context of energy security: Evidence from China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 803-816.
    23. Abderahman Rejeb & Karim Rejeb & John G. Keogh & Suhaiza Zailani, 2022. "Barriers to Blockchain Adoption in the Circular Economy: A Fuzzy Delphi and Best-Worst Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-23, March.
    24. Daiva Stanelyte & Neringa Radziukyniene & Virginijus Radziukynas, 2022. "Overview of Demand-Response Services: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-31, February.
    25. Justyna Światowiec-Szczepańska & Beata Stępień, 2022. "Drivers of Digitalization in the Energy Sector—The Managerial Perspective from the Catching Up Economy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-25, February.

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