India Launches Peer-to-Peer Solar Power Trading with Historic Transaction
In a landmark development for India's energy sector, a farmer from Uttar Pradesh successfully sold solar power directly to a shopkeeper in Delhi on Wednesday. This transaction marks the official rollout of India's peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading program, unveiled at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Historic Transaction Using Blockchain Technology
During a dedicated session at the summit, the farmer from Meerut utilized a secure, blockchain-enabled platform to sell surplus electricity generated from solar panels to a garment shop owner in the national capital. The transaction involved six units of solar power, with the farmer earning Rs 30 from the sale.
This demonstration showcased how blockchain technology can facilitate transparent and efficient energy trading between individual producers and consumers, bypassing traditional grid intermediaries.
Government Support and Previous Demonstrations
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar visited the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) Pavilion during the summit, where he interacted with technology service providers involved in the P2P energy trading system. Officials confirmed that live demonstrations of the peer-to-peer electricity trading platform were conducted throughout the event.
REC officials revealed that a demonstration of the P2P energy trading system had previously been presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Pavilion on February 16.
Significance for India's Renewable Energy Future
The successful implementation of peer-to-peer electricity trading represents a significant step forward in India's renewable energy strategy. This system enables individual solar power producers to directly sell excess electricity to nearby consumers, creating new revenue streams for farmers and small-scale producers while promoting cleaner energy consumption.
The blockchain-based platform ensures secure transactions, transparent pricing, and automated settlement, addressing key challenges in decentralized energy trading.
This development aligns with India's broader goals of increasing renewable energy adoption, reducing carbon emissions, and empowering individual energy producers through technological innovation. The P2P trading model could potentially revolutionize how electricity is distributed and consumed across the country, particularly in rural areas with abundant solar resources.
