Blockchain for Smart Cities
Blockchain (BC) technology is the distributed storage of information with high security. BC can store data on transactions such as from who it was received, to whom it was sent, and the amount of cryptocurrencies transferred. Currently, Blockchain has attempted to apply to manage smart cities, conduct energy trading, ‘connect’ Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and Internet of Things (IoT), create smart contracts and others. BC is completely protected from the substitution of information in existing blocks of the chain. This property makes the BC technology able to protect the information that is transmitted from various sensors and mobile devices.
Smart Cities have developed considerably with the development of the Internet of Things. Smart cities are based on autonomous and distributed infrastructure that include intelligent information processing and control systems of systems infrastructure, and sensors involving millions of information sources. Due to the continued growth of data volume and number of connected IoT devices, concerns such as high latency, bandwidth bottlenecks, security and privacy, and scalability arise in the current smart city architecture. Designing an efficient, secure, and scalable distributed structure by bringing computational and storage resources closer to users is needed to address the limitations of present smart city network.
There are many possible applications of blockchain to smart cities. In this article a few of them will be discussed. Blockchain-powered products help smart cities manage their energy use, incentivize responsible practices and advance the supply chain for clean energy optimization.
Neighbors in the Brooklyn Microgrid project are empowered to produce, consume, and purchase power within their community with a blockchain enabled transactive energy platform [1]. It moves towards a distributed energy supply system that is highly based on renewable-based sources such as solar energy generation for a more resilient, low carbon and customer-driven economy.
Indeed, the deployment of microgrids sets the stage for an energy future consisting of networks of energy sources that Blockchain can support. Peer-to-peer business deals are very cost efficient and have great potential.
The Australian government has launched BC solutions for energy grid management [2]. The project is focused on smart cities and aims to use BC technology to create more efficient usage of water and electricity.
By combining data analytics with a decentralized platform for energy grids and water systems, Australia aims to create smart cities with a reduced carbon footprint. The project will have a large solar power installation and rainwater treatment plant connected to commercial buildings, electric vehicle charging stations, and residences using blockchain technology.
Turning to smart transportation and smart healthcare which are considered essential applications in a Smart City. In 2015, the United Nations (UN) announced 17 Global Goals to achieve a better world. A sub-goal aims to reduce the number of road traffic injuries and deaths in 2020 by 50%. It is found that the total number of road traffic injuries and deaths amount to more than 50 million annually. The annual expenditure of the injuries is more than $500 billion [3]. Besides, traffic accidents are the top leading cause of death in the age group between 15 and 29. It is predicted that traffic accidents will become the seventh leading cause of death by 2030 if there is no prevention scheme.
Real-time monitoring of humans’ status to give an early alert could be considered as the most effective method on preventing traffic accidents.
