Blockchain-powered distributed energy and water systems (Fremantle - Australia)
The City of Fremantle has received more than $8 million for a trial project that focuses on using Blockchain to power renewable solar energy and water systems. Part of the funding ($2.57 million) comes from the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Programme, while the rest is private funding coming from several of the project partners.
The Blockchain platform (provided by the start-up Power Ledger), combined with Big Data Analytics, will integrate and manage transactions between a large scale solar photovoltaic plant, rooftop solar photovoltaic panels on residential and commercial buildings, a precinct size battery (community-owned) and a fast charging station for electric vehicles, connecting them with a rainwater storage system and wastewater treatment plant. The whole system is highly resilient, low-carbon and low-cost, to ensure long-term financial and service sustainability.
Smart energy metering, large battery storage and blockchain transactions will enable an increase in energy and water savings in the selected testing area. The project started at the beginning of 2018 and will take two years to be completed.
Sources:
https://smartcitiesworld.net/news/will-blockchain-fuel-fremantles-energy-supply-2319
https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/fremantle-solar-renewable-energy-blockchain/
Improved Water management;
Improved Energy management.
Description of the specific objectives:
- “One Planet Zero Carbon” energy target (City of Fremantle);
- Test how smart technology can help municipalities implement and maintain renewable energy systems and vital urban infrastructures;
- Ensure sustainability of essential public services in Fremantle.
City of Fremantle; Australian Government; Murdoch University; Curtin University (leadership of the project); Curtin Institute of Computation; LandCorp; CSIRO; Data61; Cisco; Power Ledger (provider of the blockchain platform); Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO); Western Power; CRC for Low Carbon Living; among others.