Exploring the Potential of Energy Data Marketplaces: an Approach based on the Ocean Protocol

In recent years, data marketplaces have gained significant popularity due to the emergence of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs). This paper aims to explore the use of data marketplaces in the energy sector and proposes a new approach for an Energy Data Space. This approach uses the Ocean Protocol and is customized specifically for energy datasets. The paper starts by providing an overview of data marketplaces and their impact on various industries. It then specifically focuses on energy data marketplaces, highlighting their importance in a standardized energy sector. While traditional processes and operations in the energy supply chain are nowadays largely standardized and compliant to EU directives, there is still a lack of standardized approaches and methodologies for data exchange and storage that can answer to EU guidelines and directives on data sharing and privacy (e.g. Gaia-X, GDPR). To address this issue, the paper proposes a new approach for an Energy Data Space using the Ocean Protocol, which offers a decentralized and secure data exchange platform that is customized specifically for energy datasets. The proposed architecture has several advantages, including increased efficiency, greater control over data, and greater transparency. It also addresses challenges associated with data sharing, such as data quality and data interoperability. This work is relevant both in the academic and industrial world. In academia, this paper contributes to the growing body of research on data marketplaces and their application in the energy sector. In the industrial world, the proposed approach has the potential to revolutionize the way energy data is exchanged, leading to increased efficiency and more informed decision-making. The innovative aspect of this paper lies in its focus on standardizing the evolution of the energy sector but not just data about energy. This approach ensures that data is collected and shared in a certain manner, improving the quality and interoperability of energy data. The use of the Ocean Protocol also adds an additional layer of security and transparency, further enhancing the trustworthiness of energy data.