Blockchain for communities – how peer-to-peer trading is reshaping the energy market

Until recently, blockchain was mostly associated with cryptocurrencies. Today, it is becoming one of the key technologies transforming the way we produce and exchange energy.
By recording transactions in a transparent and tamper-proof way, blockchain allows citizens not only to trace renewable energy flows but also to trade energy directly with each other securely and without intermediaries.

Across Europe, more and more energy communities are seeing this as an opportunity to gain independence and fairness.
This is the spirit behind the COMMUNITAS Project, where partners combine blockchain technology, data, and citizen engagement to build new models of collaboration for a greener future.

Sharing energy – without intermediaries

Imagine neighbours trading energy as easily as they share information online.
That is exactly what the Peer-to-Peer Energy Market, developed by Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), is designed to do.

The system runs on a layer-2 blockchain network, maintaining Ethereum’s security while being more energy-efficient and scalable.
Each transaction between community members is automatically validated through smart contracts, with data securely recorded and visible to all.

During the General Assembly in Cascais, partners presented the latest version of the tool: the code and API are ready, and the platform is already integrated with the COMMUNITAS Core Platform.
The first data exchanges and visualizations are already running — a milestone toward making local energy trading a reality.

Looking ahead, the solution is expected to be offered to energy providers and municipalities, especially in Southern Europe, where energy communities are rapidly expanding.

Tokens that reward participation

The COMMUNITAS team has gone one step further, developing the Token Solution — an extension of the P2P market that introduces digital rewards (tokens) for active participation.

Each community can define its own rules: tokens may reward flexible consumption, engagement in trading, or participation in local green initiatives.
With blockchain ensuring transparency, citizens can gain real benefits for collective actions.

The tool is currently being tested as an add-on module to the P2P Market and evaluated under real project conditions.
In parallel, the team is preparing for its commercialization phase — exploring spin-off pathways and potential investment opportunities.

Technology with a human purpose

Blockchain-based tools in COMMUNITAS are already being implemented and tested in real-world pilots across Europe.
They are not theoretical concepts but working components of a platform that brings together technological transparency and community trust.

This is a glimpse of the future where energy is not only renewable — it is also shared and fair.

Learn more about COMMUNITAS tools