The study highlights how AI, blockchain, and smart systems can enable buildings to actively support smart grids, overcoming regulatory and technical challenges for economic and environmental benefits.

The study provides an in-depth analysis of technological advancements for enabling buildings to actively participate in smart grid demand-response programs. It was conducted as part of the DEDALUS project by the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and the National Technical University of Athens, and recently published in Energy & Buildings.
The research offers valuable insights for academics, industry leaders and policymakers, shedding light on both opportunities and challenges in integrating advanced solutions into smart buildings.
The analysis underscores the critical role of innovative technologies such as AI-driven energy prediction models, blockchain for secure and transparent transactions, and interoperable systems that enable seamless communication between devices. These advancements are pivotal in enhancing energy flexibility and ensuring the efficient integration of buildings into smart grids. Furthermore, the transformative potential of decentralized technologies, particularly blockchain, is highlighted as a key enabler in fostering transparent and secure energy marketplaces.
However, the adoption of demand response programs is hindered by several barriers, including ambiguous regulatory frameworks, technical compatibility issues among building systems, and persistent concerns regarding data privacy. It is essential to address these obstacles to fully unlock the potential of these initiatives.
Despite these challenges, the economic and environmental advantages of demand response programs are significant. By aligning energy consumption with renewable energy production, such programs not only reduce costs for consumers but also enhance grid stability and contribute to ambitious decarbonisation targets.
These innovations enable buildings to evolve from passive energy consumers into active contributors to grid stability and sustainability.
“At NTUA, we are committed to advancing research that drives the energy transition through cutting-edge technology. Our collaboration with TUC has enabled us to explore innovative solutions for optimising demand response in smart grid-integrated buildings. By reviewing technology enablers and addressing innovation challenges, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient energy future,” stated Elissaios Sarmas, researcher ad DSS Lab of NTUA.
“This research emphasizes how emerging technologies like AI and blockchain can fundamentally transform buildings into proactive players within energy grids and demand-response programs. By unlocking their potential, we can accelerate Europe’s journey toward a more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem. However, achieving this requires a concerted effort among stakeholders—policymakers, industry, and researchers—to address regulatory gaps, foster collaboration, and implement unified strategies for seamless integration,” explained Tudor Cioara – professor and senior researcher at the Distributed Systems Research Laboratory of Technical University of Cluj-Napoca.

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