Proof of Good Work: Energy Web Releases Worker Node Toolkit to the Public
New toolkit enables enterprises to launch a variety of applications for multilateral business processes, from 24/7 renewable energy matching to integrating distributed energy resources
Zug, Switzerland, 7 March 2023 — Energy Web, an independent non-profit accelerating the global energy transition with open source software, today released the Energy Web Worker Node toolkit, a new technology that enables enterprises to construct distributed computing networks that securely execute sensitive business operations impacting multiple companies.
Worker Nodes were originally developed to solve a paradox that hinders advanced renewable energy tracking solutions like 24x7 matching and green electric vehicle charging: credibility relies on accurate, publicly verifiable results (e.g., proof that digital representations of renewables are not double-counted). But inputs from separate organizations, such as granular renewable energy production and electricity demand data, are commercially sensitive and need to remain private. Complex commercial, legal, and technical requirements often make it challenging for a single actor to unilaterally access and process all requisite data. The ability to establish a shared source of truth from segregated, individual information sources has been an ongoing challenge in multilateral settings; the challenge is even greater for energy market participants seeking to exchange and process granular data in order to procure services from distributed energy resources.
The Energy Web Worker Node toolkit solves these challenges by enabling enterprises to configure, launch, and maintain distributed computing networks that ingest data from external sources, execute custom workflows based on business logic, and vote on results in order to establish consensus without revealing or modifying the underlying data. Worker Nodes apply concepts and components from blockchain technology in a novel, enterprise-friendly architecture to provide all stakeholders with cryptographic proof that mutually-agreed rules and and processes are followed correctly, ensure computational outputs from business processes are correct, and preserve the privacy and integrity of underlying data for auditing purposes.
Worker Nodes are currently in production supporting several solutions in the Energy Web ecosystem, including:
- Conducting 24/7 renewable energy accounting by ingesting and matching granular electricity load and generation data, ensuring that matching rules and preferences are enforced correctly, and that there’s no double-counting of renewable generation;
- Coordinating dispatch of distributed energy resources by enabling distribution utilities, market operators, transmission actors, and distributed energy resources to exchange critical operational data that enhances each organisation’s ability to perform its function without revealing sensitive commercial information
“Worker Nodes are the single most powerful Web 3 technology for enterprise that I have encountered to date,” said Jesse Morris, CEO of Energy Web. “For a low carbon energy system to run, companies need to be able to exchange and perform computations on data from millions and eventually billions of people, businesses, and clean energy assets. Using a decentralized network of nodes to do useful work produces better outcomes than giving all that data and responsibility to a single entity.”
Currently Worker Node networks comprise independent worker nodes, which can be implemented in multiple languages and hosting environments, and a governing smart contract, which collates voting results and publishes consensus results. The Worker Node repository is now available to the public on Github containing both a smart contract and basic Worker Node template based on a 24/7 renewable energy matching application. This initial release includes business logic for 24/7 matching, enables users to authorize issuance of certificates, and allows users to set permissions for data input. An easy to use “as-a-service” version of the toolkit is currently under development as is Energy Web X, a new public blockchain for governing and securing Worker Node networks; both are expected to be made available to the public later this year.
The Green Proofs smart contract, part of the Worker Node Toolkit, was recently audited by blockchain security auditor Hacken
and given a 10/10 rating, indicating the highest standard for blockchain security.
Interested parties can contact info@energyweb.org to learn more.
About Energy Web
Energy Web is a global non-profit accelerating the clean energy transition by developing open-source technology solutions for energy systems. Our enterprise-grade solutions improve coordination across complex energy markets, unlocking the full potential of clean, distributed energy resources for businesses, grid operators, and customers. The Energy Web ecosystem comprises leading utilities, renewable energy developers, grid operators, corporate energy buyers, automotive, internet-of-things, telecommunications leaders, and more. More information on Energy Web can be found at www.energyweb.org or follow us on Twitter @EnergyWebX
