To master the challenges of the energy transition, a radically changed energy market, the right technologies and functioning applications are needed.
The Allgäuer Überlandwerk (AÜW) is setting up the peer-to-peer trading platform Pebbles.
Here, modern blockchain technology is used and end users are provided with an intuitive app. Pebbles is a pilot project in the Allgäu region to explore the possibilities of a decentralised energy supply using blockchain technology. In the first step, measurement systems were installed in sustainable power generators such as wind turbines or solar panels at selected participants and integrated into a closed blockchain network. With the help of the Pebbles app, surplus electricity produced can be made available to other consumers in the local grid. By using modern electricity meters - so-called smart meters with integrated blockchain connection - the participants can charge each other for the traded electricity. Pure consumers become "prosumers", i.e. both producers and consumers - depending on demand.
Electricity that is produced and consumed in the local grid is called green electricity. Only during peak loads does the electricity have to be purchased from the energy company as grey electricity.
The use of blockchain technology in this project offers the advantage that clear, individualised characteristics can be assigned to each kilowatt hour and a clear differentiation can be made between grey and green electricity. Local electricity with TÜV-certified proof of origin could then be obtained from the farmer in the same way as fresh eggs or milk. The idea of "regional electricity" can be clearly proven for the first time. Blockchain technology can lead to a paradigm shift. If it is possible to achieve grid stability through local power supply, the issues of variable liberal grid fees, the certification of green power and general grid expansion will have to be discussed anew.
MWAY designs and develops the mobile app for the peer-to-peer trading platform on behalf of Siemens AG. This includes the UI/UX design and the technical development. The goal of Pebbles is to define the framework conditions under which electricity trading is possible. By evaluating current technical parameters at the plants, the state of the grid is assessed and a decision is made on the basis of defined conditions as to whether or not a transaction will take place.
In Pebbles, the use of blockchain technology is being applied holistically in the energy sector for the first time.
The Pebbles app visualises the data obtained from the measured variables and the blockchain. The data is prepared in such a way that every user understands it and gets a quick and comprehensible overview of their consumption, overproduction or demand.
The central element of the app is trading between the participants.
Current own electricity consumption.
Current production of my photovoltaic system/wind power.
Current storage capacity of my own batteries.
Current own overproduction and possible sale to consumers.
Each chart can be selected individually, and further information is displayed.
Daily or monthly prices.
Forecast- or current information about the electricity price.
Participants have full control over the energy produced and consumed. This means that excess electricity can be sold or purchased as needed. Manually or automatically at set times - at current electricity prices.
The Pebbles research project is part of the Smart Service World II technology competition announced by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. In addition to Allgäuer Überlandwerk, Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Fraunhofer FIT, Siemens and AllgäuNetz are part of the consortium.
