## 4 Digitalization of MGs
### Blockchain Technology
The technology can enable P2P energy trading by providing a secure and transparent platform for buyers and sellers to transact without the need for a central authority. Additionally, the use of smart contracts can automate the trading process, ensuring that transactions are executed only when certain conditions are met. Another remarkable application of this technology is the management of energy data. MGs generate vast amounts of data, including energy production, consumption, and storage. The use of blockchain technology can enable the secure and transparent sharing of energy data between different stakeholders, such as consumers, producers, and grid operators. This can improve the management of MGs, allowing for more efficient energy usage and greater system resilience. The integration of this technology into MGs can offer several benefits [25; 151; 154; 155]. Firstly, it can enhance the security of MGs by providing a tamper-proof and transparent platform for transactions. The decentralized nature of the technology ensures that there is no single point of failure or control, making it virtually impossible for malicious actors to manipulate or hack the system. Additionally, the use of smart contracts can automate the trading process, ensuring that transactions are executed only when certain conditions are met, further enhancing the security of the system. Secondly, the use of this technology can enhance the efficiency of MGs by enabling P2P energy trading allows consumers to buy and sell energy directly from each other, without the need for intermediaries such as utilities or retailers. This can reduce transaction costs, increase competition, and promote the use of RESs, such as solar and wind. Additionally, the use of smart contracts can automate the trading process, ensuring that transactions are executed only when certain conditions are met, such as the availability of energy and the price of energy. Thirdly, the use of blockchain can enhance the transparency of MGs by providing a transparent and auditable platform for transactions. The decentralized nature of blockchain ensures that all transactions are recorded on a transparent and immutable ledger, providing stakeholders with a clear and auditable record of all transactions. This can improve the management of MGs, allowing for more efficient energy usage and greater system resilience. Despite its potential benefits, the integration of blockchain into MGs also poses several challenges. One of the major challenges is scalability. MGs are often small-scale systems that generate and consume limited amounts of energy. However, as the number of participants in P2P energy trading increases, the system may become congested, leading to slow transaction times and high transaction costs. Additionally, the use of blockchain requires significant computing power and storage, which may be a challenge for small-scale MGs. Another challenge is the interoperability of different blockchain platforms. There are several platforms available, each with its unique features and capabilities. However, the lack of standardization and interoperability among different blockchain platforms can create barriers to the adoption of the technology in MGs. Therefore, the development of new standards and protocols is required to ensure compatibility among different blockchain platforms. In spite of the explained challenges, integrating blockchain with MGs holds significant potential for transforming the energy sector. The use of this technology can enhance the efficiency, security, and transparency of MGs, enabling them to better meet the energy needs of communities. Additionally, it can promote the adoption of RESs, such as solar and wind, by enabling P2P energy trading. In the future, the adoption is expected to increase as the technology becomes more mature and the regulatory environment becomes more supportive.