Blockchain for future smart grid: a comprehensive survey

Abstract

Due to the unique features and characteristics of blockchain technology, its applications have expanded across various sectors, including finance, banking, supply chains, and smart grids (SGs). Blockchain ensures security and trust in transactions without requiring a third party, making it particularly valuable in decentralized systems. This paper explores the integration of blockchain technology into SG systems. It begins with a comprehensive review of conventional and smart power grids, identifying the key challenges modern SGs face, particularly issues related to trust and fraud. An in-depth analysis of blockchain technology follows, highlighting its potential, advantages, and defining characteristics. The study then examines several blockchain-based SG applications and provides a comparative analysis of prior research. The findings of this review illuminate the critical role of blockchain in enhancing SG performance by addressing trust and fraud prevention challenges. Furthermore, this research has significant implications for the energy sector, as it underscores the potential of blockchain to revolutionize SGs through increased security, transparency, and efficiency. By providing a foundation for future studies, this paper aims to guide the development of unified blockchain frameworks that address scalability, privacy, and energy management, paving the way for a more secure and efficient decentralized energy system