Blockchain technology in the energy industry: a review on policies and regulations

This chapter comprehensively reviews the pertinent policies and regulations connected to energy sector applications of blockchain technology. It also analyses the prospects and challenges of introducing this technology in the energy industry through legal and regulatory lenses. The qualitative analysis of this study attempts to understand various categories for introducing blockchain technology in the energy sector. Prospects and possible limitations of introducing blockchain technology in the energy sector are also discussed. Crucial innovations in this field include nascent peer-to-peer applications for trading electricity, decentralized marketplaces and the Internet of Things. These innovations, while exciting, come with a gamut of regulatory and policy challenges. In each of these use cases, the study aims to point out the energy industry challenges and possible consequences that can be addressed by blockchain technology.