Framework for the Secured Integration of Renewable Energy into Power Systems

Divya Mobarsa ¹, Kedar Mehta ^2,3, Amit Sata ^4,* , Minal Shukla ⁵

1. Department of Mathematics, Marwadi University, Rajkot, India

2. Institute of new Energy Systems, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, Ingolstadt, Germany

3. Department of Energy, National Research University "Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers Institute", Kari Niyazov Street 39, 100000, Tashkent, Usbekistan

4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Marwadi University, Rajkot, India

5. Dept. of Applied Sciences and Humanities, PIET, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Parul University, Vadodara, India

* Correspondence: Amit Sata 

Academic Editor: Akshya Swain

Collection: Optimal Energy Management and Control of Renewable Energy Systems

Received: June 11, 2025 | Accepted: November 24, 2025 | Published: December 05, 2025

Journal of Energy and Power Technology 2025, Volume 7, Issue 4, doi:10.21926/jept.2504016

Recommended citation: Mobarsa D, Mehta K, Sata A, Shukla M. Framework for the Secured Integration of Renewable Energy into Power Systems. Journal of Energy and Power Technology 2025; 7(4): 016; doi:10.21926/jept.2504016.

© 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the conditions of the Creative Commons by Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is correctly cited.

1. Introduction

Renewable energy systems refer to the technologies and infrastructure used to generate, store, and distribute energy from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass. These systems are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainability, and meeting growing global energy demands while relying less on fossil fuels. A typical renewable energy system includes components such as solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower stations, and battery storage systems, all interconnected through power grids to deliver electricity to homes, industries, and public facilities.

Recent data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that global annual renewable capacity additions surged by nearly 50% to approximately 510 gigawatts (GW) in 2023, marking the fastest expansion in two decades. Furthermore, the rise in electric vehicle sales, accounting for one in five cars sold in 2023, highlights a substantial shift toward cleaner energy adoption and sustainable transport solutions. This growth underscores the expanding role of renewable energy in the global energy transition and its significance for future energy policies. However, deploying renewable energy systems poses critical challenges, including the intermittency of solar and wind energy, high initial capital costs, and complexities related to energy storage and grid integration. A crucial challenge lies in the security of renewable energy systems, particularly as they integrate into smart grids—sophisticated networks leveraging digital communication and automation to optimize energy flow and monitor demand in real time. While smart grids enhance efficiency and flexibility, they also introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit. Cyberattacks on renewable infrastructure pose risks such as power outages, data breaches, and disruptions to energy supply, potentially destabilizing critical infrastructure and resulting in economic losses.

Additionally, renewable energy installations are often situated in remote or exposed environments, making them susceptible to physical threats, vandalism, and extreme weather events. As global reliance on renewable energy intensifies, ensuring the resilience and security of these systems is paramount to safeguarding grid stability, protecting sensitive operational data, and securing financial investments. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires robust security frameworks, resilient design, and proactive risk management strategies.

A notable impediment to scaling renewable energy is the absence of centralized systems for monitoring and verifying energy production and consumption. Developing such mechanisms is crucial for enhancing transparency, ensuring accountability, and facilitating the seamless integration of renewable energy into national and international grids. By prioritizing security and systemic resilience, renewable energy systems can serve as a foundation for a sustainable, efficient, and secure energy future. As part of the study to understand academic progress in this area, a bibliometric study has been carried out to visualize global trends and understand the crucial contributions to blockchain-based energy systems.

To mitigate these issues, the present study proposes a blockchain-based security framework. The key contributions of this study are summarized as follows:

• A blockchain-based security framework is proposed that enables secure integration of renewable energy into existing grid systems by employing decentralized control and trustless transactions.
• The researchers have combined IoT-based real-time monitoring with smart contracts for automated, transparent peer-to-peer energy trading and bills.
• A solid bibliometric and technical analysis allows for the positioning of this research in the fast-evolving field of blockchain energy management.
• The demonstration and comparison of the framework for security, transparency, and efficiency show benefits relative to more traditional, centralized models, demonstrating measurable improvements in data reliability and trust in operation.

2. Bibliometric Analysis of Blockchain Applications in Energy Management

To get insight into research on blockchain for energy management, a detailed review of previous studies published in the two most popular databases, including Scopus® and Web of Science®, has been conducted using the keyword "blockchain for energy management". Both of these databases were searched for the years from 2015 to 2025; all types of documents (i.e., articles, review articles, book chapters, and conference papers) were considered for detailed study; and the language for published research was English. In total, 1702 documents were available on Web of Science®, while 2618 documents were available on Scopus®. The distribution of these documents is illustrated in Figures 1(a) and 1(b).

Figure 1 Distribution of documents on Web of Science® and Scopus®.

These documents were further merged using RStudio® (a well-known open-source tool for data analytics), and duplicated documents were removed from the merged document. In total, 3144 papers were further analyzed for more meaningful outcomes, and their distribution is illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Distribution of documents after merging databases of Web of Science® and Scopus®.

Additionally, bibliometric analysis provides information on the number of documents published each year (Figure 3); the productivity of the top 10 authors based on their h-index (Figure 4); the average number of citations per year (Figure 5); the top 10 countries with the most citations (Figure 6); the different keywords used in the documents (Figure 7); the top 10 affiliations (Figure 8); and the collaboration between various countries (Figure 9).

Figure 3 Number of documents per year (*data till April 2025).

Figure 4 Productivity of authors using the h-index.

Figure 5 Average citations per year (*data till April 2025).

Figure 6 Top 10 cited countries.

Figure 7 Various keywords used in documents.

Figure 8 Top 10 Affiliations.

Figure 9 Collaboration between different countries.

To provide a bibliometric assessment of the worldwide research ability of blockchain applications in energy management, research ecosystem attempts were made based on initial results from Scopus and Web of Science. Before analysis, duplicates were removed, leaving 3,144 English-language documents for examination. The volume of research in this area is growing rapidly, such that the number of global publications per year on blockchain applications in energy management increased from 17 in 2017 to 620 in 2021 to an unprecedented height of 705 publications in 2024. In addition to the volume, the high number of annual publications demonstrates the research interest. The average citations per article in this field peaked in 2019 (62.36 citations), followed by 2018 (54.88 citations) and 2017 (54.06 citations). Though citations per publication declined in more recent years, this is due to recency bias. The top three contributors of research were King Saud University (66 documents), the National Institute of Technology (54 papers), and North China Electric Power University (45 papers). The top three countries were China (12,067 citations), India (4,919), and the USA (4,529). The top three researchers by average citations were Li J (21 h-index), Kumar N (19 h-index), and Zhang Y (18 h-index). In summary, this bibliometric analysis of research on blockchain applications in energy management demonstrates the accelerating pace of research, particularly in Asia. It continues to add evidence of the potential impact of blockchain-based frameworks in addressing energy management challenges.

3. Prior Work

Blockchain technology was initially proposed by Nakamoto in 2008, and beyond its original context, it has become an application for many sectors, including energy systems [1]. This literature review will focus on previous works that consider blockchain a viable solution, especially within renewable energy systems, in addressing some of the biggest challenges, such as energy trading, grid administration, and data protection. Mougayar and Yli-Huumo et al. highlight the benefits of blockchain technology, a decentralized, immutable ledger, across various industries. Decentralization reduces reliance on intermediaries, improving system efficiency and resilience against failures. Blockchain's transparency fosters trust among participants, as every transaction is recorded and verified. Immutability ensures data integrity, addressing concerns of fraud. Blockchain's fundamental attributes make it an attractive solution for various industries [2,3].

Problems renewable energy systems face include integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), providing secure energy trading, and efficient grid management. The qualities of blockchain technology align almost perfectly with this need, as highlighted by experts and various studies. Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading enables direct trading of surplus energy between prosumers (producers and consumers). Kang et al. suggested a blockchain-based energy trading platform that eliminates intermediaries and provides fair prices without any intermediaries [4]. Along the same line, the Brooklyn Microgrid project demonstrated the feasibility of such a system in an urban setting where blockchain could facilitate energy transactions between neighbors [5].

Blockchain supports decentralized energy management, a crucial step to integrating renewable energy into the grid. According to Andoni et al., blockchain can support dynamic energy pricing, demand response management, and virtual power plants, as demonstrated by more than 140 blockchain-based energy projects. All these advancements are made by sustainable and smart grids [6]. The increasing dependency on digital solutions in the energy sector has escalated cybersecurity issues. Blockchain employs cryptographic methods to ensure that data is safely stored and transmitted. Blockchain can also be used in microgrids, and its applications, benefits and challenges were also well defined [7].

Supply chains in renewable energy systems are complex procedures that involve manufacturing, distribution, installation, and maintenance. Blockchain can solve these inefficiencies and improve traceability in the process. Blockchain allows the tracking of renewable energy equipment from the point of production to its deployment. For instance, Saberi et al. discussed how blockchain could be used to ensure transparency and compliance with sustainability standards in the manufacture of solar panels [8].

Traded Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are certified by renewable energy sources. Blockchain can, therefore, make the process much easier, especially as regards creating an immutable record of both energy production and consumption. Tested under projects such as Power Ledger, which utilizes blockchain for validating renewable energy generation to trade RECs, one can see how this works [9]. Despite its potential, blockchain technology integration in the renewable energy sector faces a multitude of challenges, according to several studies. Blockchain architectures often suffer from scalability issues, especially in dealing with large volumes of transactions [6].

The lack of standardized regulations is a significant barrier. Andoni et al. pointed out that the lack of clarity in legal frameworks hinders the deployment of blockchain solutions into energy markets. The sustainability issue is ironic because energy-intensive blockchain networks, such as those using Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanisms, have high energy consumption. Alternatives to this include Proof-of-Stake (PoS) and hybrid consensus mechanisms, as studied by Zheng et al. [10]. Blockchain technology and renewable energy are continually converging in a very new space with novel opportunities. Blockchain with IoT and AI technologies will enhance grid management and help develop predictive analytics. For example, IoT devices can reliably transfer energy consumption data over the blockchain, enabling real-time insights [11].

Tokenization stands for the representation of solar panels or energy credits in digital form on a blockchain. Such systems can be used to implement fractional ownership and investment in renewable energy projects [12]. DAOs governed by smart contracts will create self-regulating energy communities that can automatically control energy trading, maintenance, and community decisions, as proposed by Andoni et al. [6]. Siddiquee et al., [13] have also explored applications of Blockchain in smart and sustainable city. Problem associated with an implementation of Blockchain technology in smart cities were also discussed, and suggestions were also outlined to overcome those challenges. The application of blockchain technology in renewable energy systems is transformative because it will solve the problems that exist today in energy trading, grid management, and supply chain transparency. With scalability, regulatory barriers, and issues of energy consumption still at hand, research and innovation are furthering the development of sustainable solutions. Integration of blockchain with IoT, AI, and DAOs promises a promising frontier for a decentralized, efficient, and sustainable energy future.

4. Methodology

The needed parameters considered for the renewable energy system for grid integration:

5. Framework Development

The implementation of the blockchain-based system in the integration of renewable energy into power systems involves a permissioned blockchain, where interaction is limited to authorized entities that include energy producers, consumers, and grid operators. Key architectural components will consist of smart contracts that automatically execute energy transactions and agreements, a distributed ledger for storing immutable records of energy production, consumption, and trading, a consensus mechanism such as proof of authority to validate transactions efficiently, IoT devices for real-time monitoring of energy generation and consumption, and renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. This involves real-time monitoring of IoT devices that are sending data to the blockchain, P2P energy trading among producers and consumers, data sharing in a secure way using cryptography techniques, and dynamic pricing, in which smart contracts change energy costs according to supply and demand.

The process includes several key steps. The blockchain setup involves choosing a platform, such as Ethereum, Hyperledger, or Corda; configuring the network for permissioned access; and deploying smart contracts to record energy production, validate transactions, and automate payments. IoT integration involves installing a sensor to monitor renewable energy sources and consumption, and connecting it through APIs to the blockchain, enabling data logging of energy generated, consumed, and stored in batteries. For this step, it integrates a marketplace application with peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading, incorporating blockchain matching and payment processing, also using tokens or digital currency. Lastly, security and privacy measures include the public-key cryptography of IoT data, access controls within the blockchain, and regular audits of smart contracts to ensure system integrity.

The presentation of the blockchain-based framework for integrating renewable energy involves modeling a microgrid configuration that consists of renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines, including a battery storage system and IoT sensors used for real-time observation. The process begins with energy generation, in which IoT devices measure and record energy output, which is securely stored on the blockchain. Consumers request energy through a P2P marketplace, with smart contracts matching supply to demand and executing transactions seamlessly. A transaction is illustrated between a producer and a consumer in the process of trading energy through the P2P process, and for transparency, Blockchain Explorer shows the details of the transaction. In representing data encryption, security in access to transaction records, and mechanisms to detect tampering attempts, security features are highlighted. Finally, results analysis is performed to demonstrate transparency in energy data, reduced transaction inefficiencies, and the system's effectiveness in managing renewable energy integration.

Different tools and technologies are incorporated in the implementation of the blockchain-based renewable energy system for it to be efficient and functional. The blockchain platform could be Hyperledger Fabric or Ethereum; it should support smart contracts and distributed ledgers. A programming language, such as Solidity, is used to develop smart contracts, and Python is the language used to integrate with IoT. This technology uses IoT devices, such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or commercial IoT energy meters, for real-time monitoring and data collection. The user-friendly web or mobile application is the user interface for the energy trading platform, allowing users to interact easily with each other when transactions are made and monitored over energy. This blockchain-based framework for integrating renewable energy offers several applications and significant benefits.

The most critical applications are listed below: P2P energy trading between local communities of residents, ensuring decentralized exchanges of energy; integrating distributed resources of energy into the power grid, improving the strength and flexibility of the infrastructure in terms of energy supply; and tracking and managing carbon credits, thus ensuring the accountability of emission-reducing processes. The system offers many benefits: transparency and trust among stakeholders that immutable blockchain records improve, energy efficiency through optimal distribution and consumption of the energy, and a reduced reliance on central grid operators, which gives consumers and producers increased control over energy resources.

The technical implementation of the envisaged framework was designed and implemented by modeling a permissioned blockchain (Hyperledger Fabric) on a local environment. As illustrated in Figure 10, the envisaged framework has a conceptual architecture. Smart contracts (written in Solidity) were implemented for the automation of peer-to-peer transactions and price adjustment of energy transfer based on supply-demand data (in real-time) that was collected from sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT) layer. The IoT layer was developed using simulated energy meters and Raspberry Pi devices that transmitted sensor data to the blockchain via MQTT. The data collected from IoT sensors was then stored off-chain in a PostgreSQL database for storage, organizing the complexity of a large dataset, and increasing the efficiency of the ledger. The framework was then assessed (using metrics for transaction latency, throughput, and immutable data) for its potential to be applied in small-scale microgrids.

Figure 10 Proposed Blockchain-Based Renewable Energy Framework.

6. Discussion

The incorporation of renewable energy into the traditional energy system entails specific fundamental issues such as intermittency, scalability, and safe energy transfer. The proposed blockchain framework was designed to provide a secure, decentralized system for energy management. With its specialized cryptographic design, system integrity, and threat-detection capabilities, the project aims to enhance cybersecurity within the grid. The immutable ledger enabled real-time monitoring of the generation, distribution, and consumption of energy. This respective aspect can improve transparency while increasing trust between the parties involved. Additionally, smart contracts enable automated, frictionless peer-to-peer (P2P) energy transactions while reducing reliance on intermediaries.

A simulation was conducted on a microgrid of 50 prosumers utilizing solar and wind energy. The blockchain framework was performed on a permissioned Hyperledger Fabric distributed ledger integrated with an Internet of Things (IoT)-based energy metering system. The mean transaction validation time was 1.8 seconds with a mean transaction throughput of 220 recursive transactions per second, which is adequate to support local traded energy transactions. The security analysis (i.e., unauthorized access) indicated a mean 35% reduction in time required for authorized access per instance provided by cryptographic key management and node access control. Transaction transparency amongst users improved as users independently verified energy exchanges using immutable distributed ledger technology.

Although the results are promising, scalability is still a major limitation, especially in national or transnational grids that require high data throughput and storage capacity. This challenge will be addressed in future research via lightweight blockchain architectures, hybrid consensus protocols, and more efficient data management strategies that can balance security with computational efficiency.

While validation was done in simulated microgrid conditions, interoperability, regulatory compliance, and long-term stability must still be assessed in a field implementation. In future deployments, we will investigate larger-scale integration and performance improvements while remaining compatible with the energy policies that position blockchain as a secure, decentralized renewable energy system-enabler.

7. Conclusion

This research proposed and verified a blockchain-oriented framework for integrating renewable energy into electrical power systems while ensuring safety and transparency. The presented framework utilizes IoT-based monitoring and smart contracts on a permissioned blockchain to validate compliance with the proposed IoT-based energy transaction systems. Preliminary results from simulations of a microgrid of 50 prosumers show that the blockchain-based framework reduced transmission latency by approximately 28% and improved data conformity by approximately 35% relative to the prescribed baseline representations based on Hyperledger, supporting the framework’s potential as a more secure and transparent operational model. The use of stand-alone blockchain-based energy management systems, such as Power Ledger, Energy Web Chain, and generic versions of Hyperledger, showed that the proposed system offered greater transparency, stronger security, and total IoT integration, with greater simplicity and scalability. The findings support the proposed framework as more viable and efficient compared to the generic, existing options for decentralized renewable energy management. A comparative analysis of blockchain-based energy management frameworks is presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Comparative analysis of blockchain-based energy management frameworks.

Although these findings are encouraging, the framework's validation was limited to simulated microgrid environments. Future research should investigate real-world pilot deployments to evaluate interoperability, extended operation, and compliance with dynamic energy policies. More extensive analytical studies may involve embedding artificial intelligence to permit predictive energy optimization, lightweight consensus algorithms to improve scalability, and the use of blockchain-enabled tokenization for carbon-credit accounting and monetization of energy assets.

Author Contributions

Divya Mobara: Initial Drafting, Literature Review, Methodology. Kedar Mehta: Ideation, Initial Drafting, Bibliometric Analysis. Amit Sata: Final drafting, Supervision, Framework Development. Minal Shukla: Final drafting, Supervision.

Funding

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

Competing Interests

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author.