Blockchain technology for renewable energy communities: the EcoChain Design S.r.l. project

This thesis explores the role of blockchain technology in the development of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), analyzing how digital decentralization can contribute to ecological sustainability and citizen empowerment within the energy transition. RECs promote a participatory model of energy generation and consumption, where citizens, local authorities, and businesses collaborate to share renewable energy. Their effectiveness, however, relies not only on adequate legal and technical frameworks but also on the ability to guarantee transparency, credibility, and measurable impact. Blockchain emerges as a promising solution to these challenges. Its decentralized, immutable, and transparent features enable secure peer- to-peer exchanges, automation through smart contracts, and reliable certification of renewable energy provenance. International and Italian case studies illustrate how blockchain is being applied in energy-related projects, from peer-to-peer trading to renewable certification. The research culminates in the case study of an italian startup: EcoChain Design S.r.l.. Its project in Baschi, Umbria, expected to start in 2026, combines the regulatory, technical, and social dimensions of RECs with blockchain-based solutions to certify renewable energy. This example demonstrates how technological innovation can be aligned with community-driven models to foster transparency and sustainability.