The German Energy Agency (dena) is working with 21 partners from industry and research to launch a blockchain-based machine identity ledger – a decentralized, digital register of the identities of individual devices and installations.

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A decentralized, digital identity register can serve as a highway on our journey into the digital future. The machine identity ledger is designed to connect the growing number of interfaces within the energy system and enable cost-effective coordination.

The aim is to enable the integration of millions of decentralized energy sources and electrical loads such as heat pumps, electricity storage systems and electrolyzers as active market contributors within the energy system. This will make it possible to rely on the individual components as part of supply arrangements and contractual relationships within a digital energy industry. The ledger must offer high system security and low communication costs.

The machine identity ledger is designed as a foundation on which to develop further beneficial services and market-oriented applications. There are not yet enough digital services which build on the smart meter rollout, are interoperable, and cover all of the elements within the energy system, explains Philipp Richard, team leader for digitalization at dena. “An identity register that’s tested on decentralized communication technologies will be helpful, particularly in light of the widely distributed nature of the installations. It will provide valuable knowledge for the development of digitally assisted market communication.” The blockchain machine identity ledger is being developed within the Future Energy Lab. Companies who are interested in taking part in this pilot lab can contact dena.

For more information, see dena’s press release (in German only)