Abstract
The power and energy sector transition into decentralized and distributed models brings a set of challenges that need to be overcome. Among them is consumer empowerment, which requires secure economic transactions and reliable system operation. Thus, new technologies and procedures such as blockchain have gained prominence, due to their reliability and privacy-preserving capabilities. These characteristics are essential for the proliferation of energy community markets. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of blockchain technology applicability to consumer-centric electricity markets, highlighting existing projects and initiatives. Additionally, key enablers and barriers to blockchain deployment in local electricity markets are discussed, followed by a roadmap for the comprehensive adoption of such technology.

Abstract

Abstract
Building renewable energy communities (REC) involves investments on generation facilities (such as PV panels), technologies to provide flexibility (such as batteries), management platforms and ICT systems, as well as integrating other flexibility sources such as thermal storage or electric vehicles. The way investments are made by the REC's members and other third parties is in close relationship with the governance models of the REC in terms of energy, flexibility and costs and benefits sharing, which, in the end, constitute the overall REC's business model. This works provides a revision of the main financing mechanisms to invest on and build a REC, and of the associated governance and business models that result from the investments mechanisms selected and its implications on its day by day operation. © 2022 IEEE.

Abstract
This paper proposes an energy community management system for local energy sharing with grid flexibility services to solve the potential grid constraints of the local distribution network. A three-stage model is proposed. Stage 1 is the individual minimization of the energy bill of each prosumer by optimizing the schedules of its battery. The second stage optimizes the energy bill of the energy community by sharing internally the prosumers energy surplus and re-dispatching their batteries, while guaranteeing that each new individual prosumer energy bill is always equal or less than its stage 1 bill. The third stage is performed by the DSO to solve the grid constraints by re-dispatching the batteries, curtailing local generation or reducing consumption. Stage 3 minimizes the impact on stage 2 by minimizing the loss of profit or utility of every prosumer which is compensated accordingly.

Abstract
Energy storage is an important element of an energy system. In the power system, energy storage can be defined as a component that can be employed to generate a form of energy or utilize previously stored energy at different locations or times when it is required. Energy storage can enhance the stability of the grid, increase the reliability and efficiency of integrated systems that include renewable energy resources, and can also reduce emissions. A diverse set of storage technologies are currently utilized for the energy storage systems (ESSs) in a varied set of projects. This chapter provides information about the current ESS projects around the world and emphasizes the leading countries that are developing the applications of ESSs. The main categories of ESSs are explained in this chapter as follows: electrochemical, electromechanical, electromagnetic, and thermal storage. Moreover, the energy storage technologies are utilized in power grids for various reasons such as electricity supply capacity, electric energy time-shifting, on-site power, electric supply reserve capacity, frequency regulation, voltage support, and electricity bill management. Additionally, by integrating the various energy forms and developing the concept of multi-energy systems, ESSs become a fundamental component for the efficient operation of multi-energy systems. The main role of ESSs in multi-energy systems is to compensate for the fluctuations in power output from renewable energy resources. Moreover, the performance of the multi-energy system increases when it got integrated with an ESS. In this chapter, the applied ESS technologies in the context of the multi-energy systems are presented and explained.

Abstract
This work presents a new dump load controller for active power management of hydraulic generator unit using the power system parameters at the generator's terminals. An existing system with an analog controller is evaluated and a new digital open source HPP (Hydraulic power plant) power controller with extended functionality is proposed, designed and realized. A simulation of the voltage measurement sensor in LTspice is performed in order to determine the appropriate hardware parameters. Comparison between the features of the existing analog controller and the new digital controller is performed. Based on the results achieved, valuable conclusions are made. The new solution proposed offers simplified hardware, high reliability, easiness and flexibility of controller settings.