Renewable energy sources have become a key research focus in the field of global environmental
governance. Within this context new technical innovations seek to overcome challenges
resulting from volatile renewable energy production and a lack of storage capacities.
Blockchain a distributed ledger technology using cryptography has gained prominence as an
integral component within the increasingly decentralized and digitalized global energy
infrastructure. Against this background Alexander Freier argues that the application of
blockchain technologies represents a viable option to enhance the efficiency and balancing of
renewable energy as well as to subsequently reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions if the
following three components are met: the ongoing implementation of technological advancements
an adequate global normative framework and general trust on the part of key market actors to
promote blockchain in the energy sector on a global scale. Departing from an analysis of the
relationship between climate change and energy Freier conducts a legal analysis to explore
possible bottom-up perspectives for the implementation and transfer of technological innovation
derived from climate contracts. This analysis examines the technological infrastructure
surrounding blockchain energy as well as its application to the Brooklyn Microgrid in the US
and the WindNODE trading platform in Germany from an International Relations perspective.
