Blockchain Papers

Simon Mertel, Till Zwede, Alexander Rieger, Ruben Mayer · 6 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Gunnar Prause, Laima Gerlitz

Abstract The classical pathway of mass production followed a linear model with trashed products and wasted remaining materials at the final stage of their life cycle. Smart approaches of manufacturing and product life cycle management aim for Circular Economy (CE) models to implement sustainable business models to overcome imbalances between resource supply and demand of goods. Non-Fungible Token (NFT) solutions together with smart contracts seem to have the potential to realise such new sustainable business models in the context of CE. The study demonstrates how NFT technology can become an integral part of smart product life cycle management for batteries of e-cars. The research highlights how circular business models can be developed and implemented in the e-car sector around the life cycle management of batteries as well as how NFT technology can contribute to sustainable conceptualisation for battery recycling.

Roman Meinhold, Christoph Wagner, Bablu Kumar Dhar

Abstract This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between digital sustainability (DS) and eco‐environmental sustainability (EES), focusing on the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, electric vehicles (EVs), and cryptocurrencies. The study critically examines the sustainability concerns arising from the increasing demand for digital infrastructure and the depletion of essential natural resources, including tantalum, indium, cobalt, and lithium. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the review evaluates the ethical, technological, and policy implications of integrating DS within the EES framework. It emphasizes the significance of innovative governance and cross‐sector collaboration to address the environmental trade‐offs and digital rebound effects linked with these technologies. Additionally, the review proposes strategies for mitigating the ecological impacts of digital transformation and identifies crucial research gaps, particularly in resource management and long‐term sustainability. The findings aim to guide the alignment of DS with EES, fostering a more balanced and resilient path towards sustainable development. This study offers actionable insights and policy recommendations for industry practitioners, policymakers, and researchers committed to advancing sustainable digital transformation.

Lyu Zhang, Magnus Fröhling

Abstract Purpose Blockchain has the potential to bring numerous benefits to life cycle assessment (LCA), such as traceability, transparency, and accurate inventory data and assessment results. Consequently, there has been a gradual emergence of research focusing on the integration of blockchain and LCA in recent years. The aim of this study is to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive state of research on blockchain-LCA integration. Methods This study undertook a systematic review of published articles on blockchain-LCA integration, analyzing the papers indexed so far in the Web of Science and SCOPUS. Thirty-one articles were identified, on which a bibliometric analysis was carried out. Furthermore, this study extracted and synthesized the data for the themes of benefits, barriers, frameworks and models, and case studies, and conducted detailed analysis for each theme. Results and discussion The results indicated that the current state of research in this field is still in its early stages. Most articles proposed various potential benefits across different stages of the integration. However, the integration faced various technical, organizational, and system-related barriers. Only a limited number of articles presented frameworks, models, and case studies. Currently, there is a significant lack of case studies rooted in real-world data. Based on the results of the review, this study offered relevant suggestions for future development of the blockchain-LCA integration. Additionally, this study proposed a novel and practical generic framework to provide guidance for the continued advancement in this field. Conclusion This work reveals that the number of studies of blockchain-LCA integration is increasing, but this field is still in the early stages. Many potential benefits and barriers to the integration were proposed, but most of them lack validation within the existing research. In particular, there is a great need for real-world case studies.

Fausto Neri da Silva Vanin, Yalew Tolcha, Rodrigo da Rosa Righi, Cristiano André da Costa · 5 authors

After the release of version 2.0 of the Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS), the standard consolidated as one of the most prominent standards for supply chain traceability in many industries. In this work, we introduce an innovative framework that integrates the EPCIS 2.0 standards with Hyperledger Fabric Decentralized Ledger Technology (DLT) to significantly improve product security and traceability within supply chains. By designating each product as a Non-Fungible Token (NFT), we establish a direct link between EPCIS events and NFT operations, enabling precise traceability and enhanced security. Our method maps standard events to token operations and the implementation of a traceability module employing hash mapping to manage product lifecycle information efficiently. In addition, we present algorithms designed to prevent counterfeiting by verifying product originality through EPCIS event data analysis. We evaluate the model considering relevant criteria, like performance on capturing and querying traceability information using Hyperledger Caliper, and show that our traceability query improves query time significantly without much overhead in capturing.

Bokolo Anthony

The role of prosumers who are consumers who produce, store, and consume energy is vital to the uptake of renewable energies in Local Energy Communities (LEC). However, the integration of prosumers in the smart grid to facilitate bidirectional flows of energy and information depends on intelligent operations of energy systems and flexible structures of the existing energy markets. But existing energy trading mechanisms are faced with issues of trust, privacy, security, and energy pricing determination. Also, there are fewer studies based on a citizen-centric prosumer approach. Thus, there is need to provide reliable solutions that addresses the aforementioned challenges faced by prosumers in LEC. Advancements in disruptive technologies, such as Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) have transformed a broad spectrum of intelligent systems in smart cities. Therefore, this study examines the integration of AI and IoT as AIoT and DLT towards a citizen-centric prosumer approach for decentralized energy markets trading. Additionally, this article develops an architectural model for energy prosumption in LEC using design science approach based on a user-centred design method that shows a possible implementation concept to support energy sharing and trading in LEC. The architectural model supports trust, data privacy, security, and energy pricing determination using AI and smart contracts to provides real-time energy trading monitoring, easy access, control, and immutable logs to unearth underlying energy demand and supply patterns thereby supporting citizen-centric prosumer approach. Finally, a use case scenario of DLT and AIoT for prosumption operations is presented. • Integrates AIoT and DLT towards a citizen-centric prosumer approach for decentralized energy markets trading. • Develops an architectural model for energy prosumption using design science approach based on a user-centred design method. • Supports trust, data privacy, security, and energy pricing determination using AIoT and smart contracts. • Employs AIoT for real-time energy demand and supply patterns for energy trading monitoring, control, and decision support. • Models a possible implementation concept to support energy sharing and trading in local energy communities.

Ye Luo, Jieling Shen, Hanwei Liang, Lu Sun · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Ghazaleh Shirvani, Saeid Ghasemshirazi

In an era dominated by the Internet of Things, ensuring the longevity and sustainability of IoT devices has emerged as a pressing concern. This study explores the various complex difficulties which contributed to the early decommissioning of IoT devices and suggests methods to improve their lifespan management. By examining factors such as security vulnerabilities, user awareness gaps, and the influence of fashion-driven technology trends, the paper underscores the need for legislative interventions, consumer education, and industry accountability. Additionally, it explores innovative approaches to improving IoT longevity, including the integration of sustainability considerations into architectural design through requirements engineering methodologies. Furthermore, the paper discusses the potential of distributed ledger technology, or blockchain, to promote transparent and decentralized processes for device provisioning and tracking. This study promotes a sustainable IoT ecosystem by integrating technology innovation, legal change, and social awareness to reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience for the digital future

Büşra Tural, Zeynep Örpek, Samet Özmen

Today, the concept of green energy has a critical role in achieving sustainability goals. The effective utilization of green energy resources and the management of energy from generation to distribution has become a key priority of sustainable energy transformation today. In this context, the use of blockchain technology provides an important infrastructure for transparent and secure management of energy processes. Blockchain is known as distributed ledger technology and represents a database that is updated simultaneously between many computers on a network. This technology is used in many application areas, ensuring data integrity and security. In the green energy sector, the use of blockchain technology is possible in various scenarios. Issues such as more effective use of green energy resources, monitoring and verifying energy consumption, and reducing carbon emissions include potential applications of blockchain in this field. The article aims to make a valuable contribution to the transformation process in the energy sector by examining green energy, sustainability goals, and how blockchain technology can be integrated into sustainability studies in the green energy sector and the studies carried out in this direction.

Elitsa Pankovska, Ashish Rajendra Sai, Harald Vranken, Alan Ransil

The high electricity consumption of cryptocurrencies that rely on proof-of-work (PoW) consensus algorithms has raised serious environmental concerns due to its association with carbon emissions and strain on energy grids. There has been significant research into estimating the electricity consumption of PoW-based cryptocurrencies and developing alternatives to PoW. In this article, we introduce refined models to estimate the electricity consumption of two prominent alternatives: Ethereum, now utilizing proof-of-stake (PoS), and Filecoin, which employs proof-of-spacetime (PoSt). Ethereum stands as a leading blockchain platform for crafting decentralized applications, whereas Filecoin is recognized as the world's foremost decentralized data storage network. Prior studies for modeling electricity consumption have been criticized for methodological flaws and shortcomings, low-quality data, and unvalidated assumptions. We improve on this in several ways: we obtain more novel, validated data from the systems in question, extract information from existing data and research, and we improve transparency and reproducibility by clearly explaining and documenting the used methodology and explicitly stating unavoidable limitations and assumptions made. When comparing the current, most prominent models for Ethereum and Filecoin to our refined models, we find that given the wide error margins of both the refined models and the ones introduced in prior literature, the resulting average estimates are to a large extent in line with each other.

Marko Štaka

Smart contracts are computer programs that are executed on blockchain network. Executing smart contracts requires a certain cost. Costs are measured by the amount of gas. One of the important goals in the smart contract development process is to create it in a way that minimizes gas costs. In addition to cost, an excess of gas negatively impacts code performance and security. Until transactions are executed, the total gas cost cannot be accurately predicted in advance. Calculating the gas cost for transactions alone does not provide sufficient data to reveal the source of high costs. However, there are various tips and strategies in creating smart contracts that can help save on gas costs. The focus of this paper will be on presenting specific code modification activities aimed at reducing gas costs.

Pritam Rani, Pratima Sharma, Indrajeet Gupta

No abstract is available for this record.

Meennapa Rukhiran, Songwut Boonsong, Paniti Netinant

The energy-intensive characteristics of the computations performed by graphics processing units (GPUs) in proof-of-work (PoW) blockchain technology are readily apparent. The optimization of GPU feature configuration is a complex subject that significantly impacts a system’s energy consumption and performance efficiency. The primary objectives of this study are to examine and improve the energy consumption characteristics of GPUs, which play a crucial role in the functioning of blockchains and the mining of cryptocurrencies. This study examines the complex relationship between GPU configurations and system architecture components and their effects on energy efficiency and sustainability. The methodology of this study conducts experiments involving various GPU models and mining software, evaluating their effectiveness across various configurations and environments. Multilinear regression analysis is used to study the complex relationships between critical performance indicators like power consumption, thermal dynamics, core speed, and hash rate and their effects on energy efficiency and performance. The results reveal that strategically adjusting GPU hardware, software, and configuration can preserve substantial energy while preserving computational efficiency. GPU core speed, temperature, core memory speed, ETASH algorithms, fan speed, and energy usage significantly affected the dependent computational-efficiency variable (p = 0.000 and R2 = 0.962) using multilinear regression analysis. GPU core speed, temperature, core memory speed, fan speed, and energy usage significantly affected efficient energy usage (p = 0.000 and R2 = 0.989). The contributions of this study offer practical recommendations for optimizing the feature configurations of GPUs to reduce energy consumption, mitigate the environmental impacts of blockchain operations, and contribute to the current research on performance in PoW blockchain applications.

Sitthiwat Damrongpreechar, Nuttapon Boonyaudomsart, Chalie Charoenlarpnopparut

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Energy Trading Prototype Implementation is presented in this paper. This study aims to design a prototype and implement it with a P2P energy trading system, private Ethereum blockchain, and WebSocket. A Raspberry Pi 3 Model B (Pi3B) hosts the WebSocket server for creating the duplex communication including the current sensors sensing and data transaction transmitting. The personal computer hosts the user interface and private Ethereum blockchain server. The private Ethereum blockchain is used to deploy smart contracts and store transaction data. ESP32-WROOM-32 micro-controllers are used to operate the peer circuits including the relays and current sensors. The prototype results show the operation of the prototype by performing the energy transfer simulation with different types of consumption loads in the determined time.

Jens Malmodin, Nina Lövehagen, Pernilla Bergmark, Dag Lundén

No abstract is available for this record.

Mingguan Zhao, Lida Liao, Penglong Liang, Meng Li · 8 authors

The rapid growth of distributed renewable energy penetration is promoting the evolution of the energy system toward decentralization and decentralized and digitized smart grids. This study was based on energy blockchain, and developed a dual-biding mechanism based on the real-time energy surplus and demand in the local smart grid, which is expected to enable reliable, affordable, and clean energy supply in smart communities. In the proposed system, economic benefits could be achieved by replacing fossil-fuel-based electricity with the high penetration of affordable solar PV electricity. The reduction of energy surplus realized by distributed energy production and P2P energy trading, within the smart grid results in less transmission loss and lower requirements for costly upgrading of existing grids. By adopting energy blockchain and smart contract technologies, energy secure trading with a low risk of privacy leakage could be accommodated. The prototype is examined through a case study, and the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed mechanism are further validated by scenario analysis.

Gabriela Aristia, Khondaker M. Salehin

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of the important initiatives widely used across different industries in reducing atmospheric carbon emissions, which is an essential environmental goal outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) in 2015. In an effort to mitigate carbon-emission problem, CCS extracts (i.e., captures and compresses) and stores CO 2 from industrial by-products as an alternative to releasing it directly into the atmosphere. CCS presents opportunities for the captured CO 2 to immediate utilization or to be stored at adjacent facilities for future utilization in different industrial productions. Despite its potential in reducing carbon emissions, its effectiveness and possible economic incentivization are unknown due to a lack of transparency in tracking the quantitative output concerning carbon reduction at different stages of CCS activities (capture, transportation, and storage) currently deployed in different industrial plants. In this paper, we propose an enhanced CCS for recording and tracking the quantitative output of CCS activities using blockchain (i.e., a distributed-ledger) technology that promotes transparency among stakeholders, e.g., government, regulatory body, technical experts, and general public, and facilitates rewards toward effective carbon-emission reductions. Although blockchain is a promising technology that can increase the efficiency of CCS, we also identify a few future challenges, such as data privacy and scalability, that have to be taken into account toward implementing the proposed architecture.

Ugur Halden, Ümit Cali

No abstract is available for this record.

Alessandro Neri, Maria Angela Butturi, Henrique L. Sauer, Francesco Lolli · 6 authors

The growing demand for electric vehicles necessitates an efficient and sustainable life-cycle management of lithium-ion batteries. This work examines existent literature on digital battery passports, crucial for high-quality data for decision-making purposes, and distributed ledger technologies as transparent and efficient enablers. An hybrid BWM-TOPSIS approach is employed to rank various platforms for digital passport implementation in an automotive company. The analysis identifies Hedera as the most suitable ledger, followed by IOTA and EOS. Future research directions include empirical validation of the findings and exploring collaborative decision-making models to enhance the robustness of the selection process.

Yuqing Xu, Xingyu Tao, Moumita Das, H.L. Kwok · 8 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Giulio Caldarelli

The burgeoning interest in both the circular economy and blockchain technology has spurred numerous proposed integrations. Despite this enthusiasm, empirical research examining the practical feasibility and critical assessment of blockchain's potential within the circular economy remains limited. This study engages with eleven distinguished blockchain experts to critically analyze the prospects of technology integration across various facets of the circular economy, aiming to predict potential outcomes. Utilizing the Delphi method, this research seeks to attain a consensus on the experts' visions and opinions. The findings suggest a nuanced perspective: while certain integrations in the circular economy may face challenges and are unlikely to succeed, others could prove effective in the long term, provided specific conditions are met. When appropriately designed Tokenomics are in place, and the necessary level of digitalization is achieved, blockchain technology can significantly incentivize circular economy practices. However, the complete disintermediation of circular practices through blockchain is viewed as less feasible, owing to its reliance on external data providers.

Bokolo Anthony

Presently, majority of car-pooling services depend on a central third party which makes these platforms susceptible to data privacy, security concerns, and a single point of failure. Moreover, drivers and passengers are charged with different services fees by the electric mobility service provider. The emergence of emerging technologies such as Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) can foster trust, boost electric car-pooling business models. Hence, DLT is utilized to store electric car-pooling trips, drivers, and passengers’ information to ensure user privacy and maintain security. Similarly, social practice theories such as Community of Practice (CoP) is progressively considered as a significant structure within societies as it aids the development and sharing of resources across groups. But very little attention has been devoted to examined how CoP can be employed to support the design of decentralized on-demand electric car-pooling. Leveraging CoP and DLT, this paper proposes a decentralized community of practice-based model that enables drivers to publish electric car-pooling services and passengers to be matched to a driver without depending on a trusted third party. A systematic literature review was adopted to collect data and a case study of a decentralized on-demand electric car-pooling was presented. Findings from this study highlights conceptualization of CoP for improving decentralized on-demand electric car-pooling and provide insights on efficient decentralized mechanisms for electric car-pooling. Theoretically, this article identifies the current problems, state-of-the-art of decentralized electric car-pooling. For policy implications this study provides guidelines to effectively govern and manage the development of on-demand electric car-pooling for sustainable public transportation.

P. Maya, P. Abdul Salam

Generation of renewable energy by participants in the electricity market is used for self-consumption and for local trade. Energy savings can be turned into negative watts-negawatts- and can be traded with peers as the right to purchase electricity. Combining both kilowatt and negawatt trading would enhance the local energy market by providing peers with better access to energy and economic benefits. Trust in the market could be managed effectively with the help of blockchain technology. Market transactions are recorded into immutable, transparent, and distributed ledgers, with added security provided by tokenization. In this work, a combined kiloWatt and negawatts trading is attempted in a local market with solar electricity generation, enabled by smart contract deployed on public blockchain. Smart contracts are written in Solidity language and deployed on Sepolia test network for Ethereum public blockchain.

Tanzi Mubaroq Santoso

The government made a quick decision by providing subsidies for domestic sales of electric vehicles with a fairly large nominal value because, in the last 20 years, Indonesia has become one of the largest producers of carbon emissions in the world, which has an impact on climate change and global warming. This study aims to analyze ways to optimize and update current subsidy distribution to make it more effective and keep it on target for all beneficiaries. We use the case study analysis method in several frameworks related to the previous subsidy distribution mechanism and identify problems in the current framework by integrating blockchain technology. The result is a proposed distribution system framework with a digital marketplace designed specifically for subsidies for government monitoring. We try to involve third parties as payment gateways for rupiah currency transactions, not ethereum digital currency. Our traceability feature utilizes blockchain traceability for program audit traceability.