I have been reading and studying about P2P renewable energy trading for a few years. From the pioneering Brooklyn project in New York to several initiatives in Europe, many questions about operational efficiency have always been on my desk.
But it was only when I moved to Austria 7 years ago to study my master's degree in Sustainable Energy Systems that I had the opportunity to experience this technology first-hand. As an eFriends customer I was able to personally see the impressive technological step that this company has made.
The ease, speed and transparency with which surplus energy (from PV prosumers) is shared among neighbors, purchased, bought and donated throughout the country at lower prices and without bureaucracy is absolutely impressive.
In my opinion, perhaps the most valuable thing about this platform is the fact that it is vastly inclusive. Like me, most customers don't have a PV system on their roofs yet. Many don't even have this possibility because they live in apartments. But everyone can participate and benefit from eFriends.
There are other operators in Austria offering P2P energy trading services (WePower, Energie AG/E-Fairteiler) that contribute to a competitive environment and technological advancement. But eFriends seems to be one step further.
The application of this service in other countries depends on an adequate regulatory structure and technological access. But as part of the energy transition and decentralization process, I believe it will spread over very soon.
Comments