Distributed Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading in Virtual Microgrids: A Blockchain Survey for Future Smart Grid

Due to the apparent demands and constraints faced by energy systems operating in the market world, the Prosumer Energy trade strategy was selected as a potential opportunity for research and industries. Energy trading has expanded due to the availability of dispersed energy sources and power users who produce more electricity than they would otherwise and can profitably export their excess fuel. The energy trading system blends energy from various sources and effectively coordinates it to ensure stable and optimal usage of available resources and better facilities for energy users. Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading is a joint research topic that involves various managerial and technical challenges. This paper provides an overview of peer-to-peer energy exchange and how blockchain can be used to increase transparency and overall performance, including the degree of decentralization, scalability, and device reliability. A thorough examination of the Prosumer Smart Grid environment is explored and clarified. The energy sharing mechanism among consumers comprises two major components: information/digital technology and optimization techniques. Three blockchain-based energy sharing models have been proposed to overcome technical and market barriers to adopt this revolutionary technology. The paper further discusses open topics and possible future paths for peer-to-peer blockchain-based energy sharing.