Women’s Entrepreneurship Day: women leading the transformation of the energy sector
Nov 19, 2024
Committed
As the world changes rapidly, energy is also adapting to meet new challenges, such as: The fulfilment of the climate targets, the need to guarantee security of supply, the introduction of new green energies such as hydrogen, or the globalisation of operations are some of them.
Technology plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Innovation has always been a key component of the energy sector, and recent developments are continuing to push boundaries in a number of areas:
As we become increasingly reliant on technology, we are seeing a rise in artificial intelligence, big data, and “Internet of Things” being used to configure new scenarios. Blockchain is one of the technologies that is helping to facilitate this change by providing a backbone for many other technologies.
Blockchain is an asset tracking technology that allows transactions to be recorded in an immutable form. It is a shared process where all records and transactions are split into a large number of information blocks, making it impossible to alter assets. Blockchain is based on the trust created by the millions of blocks that make it up. This increases the security of assets and reduces risks and costs.
Blockchain is an asset tracking technology that allows transactions to be recorded in an immutable form.
The energy sector is already embracing the potential of blockchain technology and its value is immeasurable for the future. Blockchain has multiple advantages:
In order to maintain the security of the network, its users must agree on all transactions and data. This is done through a process of validation and verification, which creates a permanent record of every action. This ensures that no one can make changes unilaterally, and provides increased security overall.
The energy sector is already embracing the potential of blockchain technology and its value is immeasurable for the future
Global energy market intelligence
Energy is a complex process with many steps and different players. For example, extracting gas from gas fields and injecting it into the grid is just one part of a much larger process that also includes liquefaction, transmission, purchase, sale, metering, and distribution.
A blockchain-based information system that provides a complete overview of the entire process can be extremely useful. Blockchain brings numerous benefits including agility, efficiency, anticipation, transparency, traceability, and collaboration. All of these benefits can be achieved without the need for human interaction.
Regulation, compliance and verification
Energy companies must comply with very demanding legislation that requires the provision of large amounts of data. This data needs to be collected, reviewed and analysed, involving many resources. In doing so, it is important that the data and information is not compromised, in the form of potential leaks and other security breaches, for example.
In both cases, the blockchain can be of great help, as it is a platform that enables the exchange of information between companies and regulators.
Energy origin accreditation
By tracking every interaction, the blockchain can provide a real-time record of where energy comes from.
This information can be used by companies and consumers to ensure that their energy supply is 100% renewable. For example, the blockchain can be used to track the use of green hydrogen throughout the production and distribution process, ensuring that it is carbon neutral.
Cybersecurity
A country’s energy system is a vital part of its infrastructure. There are various types of systems that exist to provide security and ensure that energy needs are met. Blockchain technology offers a further step in this process. For example, blockchain allows data to be stored in a distributed manner – meaning that even if one server is “attacked”, information is not lost because it is also stored on other servers. Additionally, blockchain requires verification by different parties for certain operations or traceability of all decisions.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies (a virtual currency based on blockchain technology) could be used to buy and sell energy, making the process more transparent. There is already some evidence of this: govcoins, for example, are state cryptocurrencies that can be exchanged for utilities, such as electricity.
As we move towards a more digital and sustainable world, digital and technological innovations are already transforming our energy sector. One exciting technology that holds great promise in this area is blockchain, which offers many benefits in terms of efficiency, transparency, and security.