Decentralized Energy Networks based on Blockchain: Background, Overview and Concept Discussion Mario Pichler 1 , Marcus Meisel 2 , Andrija Goranovic 2 , Kurt Leonhartsberger 3 , Georg Lettner 4 , Georgios Chasparis 1 , Heribert Vallant 5 , Stefan Marksteiner 5 , Hemma Bieser 6 1 Software Competence Center Hagenberg GmbH (SCCH), Hagenberg, Austria 2 Institute of Computer Technology (ICT), TU Wien, Austria 3 Dept. of Renewable Energy, Univ. of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria 4 Energy Economics Group (EEG), TU Wien, Austria 5 DIGITAL – Inst. of Inform. & Comm. Technologies, Joanneum Research, Graz, Austria 6 avantsmart, Oberwaltersdorf, Austria mario.pichler@scch.at Abstract. This paper provides a snapshot of the globally ongoing decen- tralization of (business) relations in the energy sector. This tendency can be observed in other domains as well and is accompanied by new digital technological developments. Blockchain technology is assigned disruptive potential when it comes to realize those decentralization ideas. This hype about Blockchain is mainly company-driven without a solid academic basis yet. The authors are currently involved in several research efforts for uti- lizing distributed energy resources like photovoltaic systems, batteries and electric cars for the setup of energy communities and marketplaces. The paper, therefore, presents detailed investigations of background and moti- vations for decentralization and the building of (local) energy communities and (peer-to-peer) marketplaces for sustainable utilization of renewable energies. An overview of recent related Blockchain-based works is pre- sented, and the current state and feasibility for the realization of the envi- sioned decentralized solutions are discussed. In this way, the work aimed at contributing to a research-based decision foundation for upcoming Blockchain-based decentralization efforts. Keywords: Energy Decentralization, (Local) Renewable Energy Communi- ties, Blockchain-based Energy Networks. 1 Introduction In 2008, Bitcoin was invented with the aim of creating a peer-to-peer (P2P) cur- rency that removes the need for trusted third parties like banks [1]. Especially Bitcoin’s underlying technology – Blockchain – caught the attention of several domains. Even in the energy sector, where disruption is currently underway, in which (private) owners of renewable energy sources, e.g., photovoltaic (PV) sys-