Extended Overview of Blockchain and Other Distributed Ledger Platforms Using Smart Contracts for Energy Data Management
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The transition toward decentralized, data-intensive power systems is renewing interest in blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) capable of supporting trustworthy, high-frequency energy and financial transactions. Building on a prior overview of three representative Proof of Stake (PoS) platforms (Ethereum, Cardano, Solana) for energy data management, this study extends the analysis to capture developments during 2025 and 2026. Two additional platforms employing Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) in their consensus mechanisms, Hedera Hashgraph and Internet of Things Application (IOTA) Rebased, are assessed using the same key parameters and application criteria as the original three platforms. Post-quantum cryptography for authentication and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) for privacy are also reviewed in the context of settlement and metering in smart grids. The analysis further examines the tokenization of renewable energy certificates and guarantees of origin, together with token-based incentives in Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) for distributed energy resources. Hedera Hashgraph, with its asynchronous Byzantine Fault Tolerant (aBFT) consensus, is identified as a candidate for Vehicle to Grid (V2G) and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging settlement, while IOTA Rebased could support metering-data records, device identity, and data notarization. Post-quantum cryptography and ZKPs are considered for long-term cryptographic security and data privacy, respectively. An updated qualitative comparison and platform recommendation framework is presented, extending the original distribution system operator, prosumer, and transmission system operator use case mapping to these additional platforms, security mechanisms, and application domains.
Source: Algorithms
DOI: 10.3390/a19110982
Authors: Martin Vins, Karel Nohac
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,930
OpenAlex ID: W7221756685