Blockchain as the Backbone of a Strategic Energy Partnership

Description

ACCIONA Energía, a leading Spanish renewable energy company, and IKEA have embarked on a significant partnership to enhance sustainable mobility across Spain. This collaboration focuses on installing an extensive network of electric vehicle (EV) charging points at IKEA‘s Spanish shopping centers, marking a stride towards eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Ambitious Targets

Under this agreement, ACCIONA Energía will set up 567 EV charging stations across 16 IKEA centers by 2023, with an expansion plan extending to 2026. These include the headquarters in San Sebastián de Los Reyes, Madrid, and the logistic center in Valls, Tarragona. The ambitious target is to have 475 of these stations operational by the end of 2023. Significantly, about 30% of these charging points will be dedicated to IKEA’s suppliers and fleet, reflecting a commitment to greener logistics.

A unique feature of these charging points is their bidirectional capability, enabling not only the charging of EVs but also the possibility of the EV batteries supplying electricity back to the grid or the charging station. This vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is a step towards more efficient energy use and a greener grid, with each station offering both fast chargers (60kW with two 120kW outlets per unit) and standard chargers (22kW), catering to diverse user needs.

The renewable energy for these EV charging stations will be certified as 100% green and tracked in real-time using ACCIONA Energía’s innovative GREENCHAIN blockchain platform. This technology, developed in collaboration with cleantech startup FlexiDAO, is based on Energy Web’s technology and extends to trace green hydrogen as well.

Furthermore, ACCIONA Energía‘s commitment to sustainability extends beyond EV charging. The company is actively involved in carbon credit projects utilizing blockchain technology, partnering with ClimateTrade to provide Certified Emission Reduction (CER) certificates for green energy generated in South American emerging markets. Additionally, they are collaborating with the Spanish stock exchange BME on a voluntary carbon credit trial.

Part of a Broader Movement

This initiative is part of a broader movement where groups like MOBI, the DLT mobility group, and Equigy, a consortium of major European electricity companies, are exploring the integration of vehicles into the energy grid using blockchain technology.

In conclusion, this partnership between ACCIONA Energía and IKEA represents a significant leap towards sustainable mobility and renewable energy usage. It not only advances IKEA‘s commitment to positively impacting the planet but also cements ACCIONA Energía‘s role as a strategic partner in promoting electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions. This venture is a clear indicator of the growing importance of collaborations between energy companies and retailers in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.

Benefits & Outcomes
  • Enhanced traceability and transparency of Renewable Energy
  • Improved energy management
  • Automated verification of green energy
  • Carbon footprint tracking
Links
Further Info

FlexiDAO uses Energy Web‘s technology and is an associate member of the organization. That means its technology is based on an Ethereum-derived public blockchain that uses Proof of Authority.

FlexiDAO wants companies to live up to claims that they use 100% renewable energy. Hence it provides a blockchain-based energy traceability solution that tracks all energy usage back to the source. Wind and solar energy might not be available 24/7, meaning that, in reality, corporates are likely using fossil fuel energy even if they don’t intend to. That’s because most contracts are measured annually rather than hourly, which is FlexiDAO’s goal.”

Status

Live. Official IKEA partner website can be found here.
Research by Andrej in December 2023.

© Antony Welfare 2024

CBRC