Powerledger and Energie Steiermark Launch Groundbreaking Blockchain-Enabled Energy Trading Platform Across Austria

Introduction of smartCOMMUNITY

Energy software technology company Powerledger and Austria’s leading energy provider, Energie Steiermark, have launched a revolutionary energy trading platform called smartCOMMUNITY. This blockchain-enabled platform allows users to manage and distribute energy generated from their solar assets across Austria.

Empowering Prosumers

The smartCOMMUNITY platform enables prosumers to monitor their energy usage and production. Prosumers can share their surplus energy with other participants through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or Peer-to-Peer (P2P) trading, allowing them to sell energy at competitive rates compared to typical feed-in tariffs.

Launch and Expansion

Launched in July 2023, smartCOMMUNITY is available to residential, business, and municipal customers of Energie Steiermark. The platform aims to empower users to share clean energy with family, friends, and other consumers at optimal prices. This summer, the platform welcomes municipalities, medium enterprises, and industrial customers to join the smartCOMMUNITY ecosystem.

Significant Benefits

Dr. Jemma Green, Co-founder and Chairman of Powerledger, highlighted the benefits of smartCOMMUNITY. The platform allows households and businesses to define recipients and pricing for the power they generate, providing freedom and control over their self-generated energy.

Future Impact

Josef Landschützer, CEO of Energie Steiermark Kunden GmbH, emphasized that smartCOMMUNITY is about more than just trading energy. The platform empowers customers to better control their renewable energy generation and consumption, contributing to Austria's goal of 100% renewable energy supply by 2030.

Key Features of smartCOMMUNITY

• Energy Monitoring: Customers can monitor energy usage, consumption, and generation, and track savings and revenue from energy trading.

• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Create customized PPAs with other members to buy and sell electricity at agreed-upon prices.

• Peer-to-Peer Trading: Directly buy and sell electricity with other members.

• Control Over Pricing: Set maximum and minimum prices for buying and selling electricity.

• Control Over Timing: Time PPAs to match consumption profiles and convenience.

• Control Over Buyer/Seller: Choose who to buy and sell electricity from.

Decentralizing Energy Production

Daria Mayskaya, Project Manager at Energie Steiermark, stated that the platform decentralizes renewable energy production, allowing end-customers to play an active role in the energy market. Business consumers can use smartCOMMUNITY to manage risks and hedge against price volatility in the wholesale energy market.

Final Thoughts

The smartCOMMUNITY platform represents a significant advancement in energy trading, offering users freedom, control, and the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future. By empowering consumers and fostering stronger communities, Powerledger and Energie Steiermark are paving the way for a decentralized and renewable energy market in Austria.