Energy Management in the Free Market with Virtual Power Plants and Smart Contracts via Blockchain

• Arthur Coelho Estevão UFES
• Rodolfo S. Villaça UFES https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8051-3978
• Alysson Augusto P. Machado IFES https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6264-9626
• Rodrigo Fiorotti IFES https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8355-6383
• Helder Roberto de O. Rocha UFES https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6215-664X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/wblockchain.2025.8813

Abstract

This article proposes an energy management system for the free market that uses blockchain and smart contracts to mediate the interaction between prosumers, overcoming the limitations of the Electric Energy Compensation System (SCEE) — which currently prevents the transfer of surplus credits. The solution integrates Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), using tokens to represent energy credits, with a smart contract that automatically manages their purchase and sale. The system was simulated using real consumption data and photovoltaic generation. The implementation uses the Sepolia blockchain and Chainlink oracles to retrieve the energy tariffs used by utility companies. The results show that the system provides users with autonomy, cost reduction, and efficient management of energy resources.

Keywords: Blockchain, Free Energy Market, Virtual Power Plants, Prosumers, White Tariff, Conventional Tariff, Chainlink, Oracles, Photovoltaic Energy, Energy Management, Energy Tokens, Sepolia, Energy Efficiency, Cost Reduction, Electric Energy Compensation System, Distributed Energy

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