Empowering the energy transition : blockchain and the evolving EU legal framework

Angelidou, Tryfonia; Αγγελίδου, Τρυφωνία

Master Thesis

Author

Angelidou, Tryfonia

Αγγελίδου, Τρυφωνία

Date

2025-06

Abstract

Blockchain has gained popularity during the last decade, due to cryptoassets, such as Bitcoin. However, the innovative discovery of Satoshi Nakamoto is not limited to cryptocurrencies. In fact, blockchains and DLTs in general, can have a great impact and offer innovative ways in numerous applications of different sectors. One of the primary sectors that blockchain can be of a great use, is the energy sector. The energy sector, driven by digitalisation, decentralisation and decarbonisation is becoming more and more data driven in order to address climate change and the constantly augmenting energy consumption, to improve energy efficiency and generate energy in a more sustainable manner. Blockchain is considered to be one of the most prominent technologies that can help society to achieve these goals of digitalisation, decentralisation and decarbonisation, due to its inherent characteristics and innovative applications. Smart contracts for energy trade, peer-to-peer energy markets and decentralised networks can accelerate the energy transition and revolutionise the energy sector through their application in numerous use cases, such as electromobility, renewable energy certificates or self-generating energy without the need of intermediaries. However, blockchain is a relatively new technology and thus, not only technical, but also regulatory burdens, exist. Consequently, if these issues are not addressed properly, blockchain technology will not be able to evolve and flourish, mostly because of the legal uncertainty. This study aims to identify the legal implications of blockchain technology in the energy sector, with focus on the legal framework of European Union. The examined implications are categorised in six major legal sectors: regulatory compliance, contract law, energy law, data protection, consumer protection and financial regulatory framework. The study concludes by assessing the compliance to the current legal framework, by exposing ways to address the imposed challenges, the pivotal role of the regulators and some personal thoughts of the author.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Energy: Strategy, Law & Economics

Department

Σχολή Οικονομικών, Επιχειρηματικών και Διεθνών Σπουδών. Τμήμα Διεθνών και Ευρωπαϊκών Σπουδών

Number of pages

103

Language

English

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/18385

Collections

Τμήμα Διεθνών και Ευρωπαϊκών Σπουδών

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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα