2021/07/14 by Nuoa Lei, Eric Masanet, Jonathan Koomey · 1 voice
Computer Science · Engineering · #Blockchain Technology Applications and Security #Green IT and Sustainability #Caching and Content Delivery
paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112422
openalex publication_date 2021/07/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/02
There are a growing number of blockchain applications in energy systems, but surprisingly little is known about their direct energy demand outside of cryptocurrency applications. Addressing this knowledge gap should be a key policy priority so that the energy use of blockchain systems can be better understood and managed as applications proliferate. To help policy makers and energy analysts achieve this goal, this article makes three contributions. First, we present a brief review of blockchain system components, energy demand drivers, and emerging applications to provide a common conceptual foundation. Second, we propose best practices for energy analysis of blockchain systems and identify best practice lapses in previous literature that presently cloud our understanding of energy use. Finally, we propose priority research areas to address identified lapses and knowledge gaps, which would ensure future research produces data and estimates that are maximally relevant to energy policy decisions.