In a significant advancement for the energy sector, a research team led by QI Lei from Shanghai Jiao Tong University has proposed a novel energy-sharing mechanism that addresses both economic efficiency and privacy concerns among prosumers. This study, published in ‘Power Engineering Technology’, highlights the potential for collaborative energy trading models in the context of the dual-carbon goal.
As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, the role of prosumers—entities that both produce and consume energy—has become increasingly important. The new mechanism developed by QI Lei and his team allows multiple prosumers to share energy in a way that enhances overall economic performance while ensuring data privacy. The researchers constructed an internal scheduling model that incorporates the variability of energy loads and outputs, quantifying risks through a method known as conditional value at risk (CVaR). This approach enables prosumers to make informed decisions based on the uncertainties of energy production and consumption.
One of the standout features of this mechanism is its weakly centralized tariff iteration system. This system adjusts energy prices based on supply and demand dynamics, promoting fairer energy trading among prosumers. Notably, the researchers employed advanced privacy protection techniques, including the Paillier homomorphic encryption algorithm and secret sharing principles, to safeguard sensitive data. This ensures that while prosumers can share energy and benefit from cost reductions, their individual data remains secure.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy market. By facilitating energy sharing among prosumers, the proposed mechanism can lead to a significant reduction in overall costs—up to 12.6%, as demonstrated in the study’s arithmetic example. This not only enhances economic viability for individual prosumers but also contributes to a more resilient and efficient energy grid.
QI Lei emphasized the importance of privacy in energy sharing, stating, “Our method ensures that while prosumers collaborate and share resources, their sensitive data is protected, fostering greater trust and participation in energy markets.”
As businesses and communities increasingly adopt renewable energy solutions, mechanisms like the one proposed by QI Lei and his team could open up new commercial opportunities. Energy companies might explore partnerships with prosumers to optimize energy distribution, while technology firms could develop tools that enhance data privacy in energy transactions.
This innovative research underscores a promising direction for the energy sector, where collaborative models not only support economic objectives but also prioritize the privacy and security of participants. The study serves as a vital stepping stone toward achieving sustainable energy goals while maintaining the integrity of data in a rapidly evolving market.
