Blockchain Applications in Smart-Grids: A Review

With the advent of Blockchain (BC) technology, there is significant momentum to leverage the benefits of decentralization offered by BC and apply it in various disciplines, including medical, financial, identity authentication, asset management, etc. The application of BC in electrical energy grids is receiving considerable attention. Nonetheless, the rush to prioritize BC applications in energy trading (ET) aspects is masking its vast genuine potential. While the latter leaves many other fronts untapped, it provides new opportunities for BC applications in electrical energy systems that require further exploration. This paper reviews BC applications in four main smart grid (SG) areas, including Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading (P2P-ET). The limitations of the BC technology, hindering its immediate adoption in SG operations, are also discussed.