Abstract
The power and energy sector transition into decentralized and distributed models brings a set of challenges that need to be overcome. Among them is consumer empowerment, which requires secure economic transactions and reliable system operation. Thus, new technologies and procedures such as blockchain have gained prominence, due to their reliability and privacy-preserving capabilities. These characteristics are essential for the proliferation of energy community markets. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of blockchain technology applicability to consumer-centric electricity markets, highlighting existing projects and initiatives. Additionally, key enablers and barriers to blockchain deployment in local electricity markets are discussed, followed by a roadmap for the comprehensive adoption of such technology.

Abstract
The increasing integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in the distribution network has brought more importance to Peer-to-Peer (P2P) markets. However, energy traded in P2P markets can lead to voltage and congestion constraints in distribution networks operated by Distribution System Operators (DSOs). At the same time, Transmission System Operators (TSOs) may need to solve system problems, requesting the participation of DERs in frequency regulation services. To ensure competitive participation in P2P markets, as well as to ensure a correct operation of distribution networks and to contribute to mitigate problems at the system level, coordination mechanisms between the P2P market and the System Operators (SOs) are required. This paper introduces a set of mathematical models considering P2P flexibility trading at the distribution system, while assisting the DSO and TSO in solving the congestion, voltage and frequency problems, respectively. The models are assessed on an IEEE 37bus distribution network with high DER penetration. The first and second models are based on product differentiation to avoid violating the lines' thermal limits and the nodes' voltage limits, respectively. The second model also considers reactive power control in order to impact voltage constraints. The third model uses a virtual load, connected to the TSO network (before the power transformer), to model frequency regulation services. The last model proposes the integration of all methods. Results showed that each model was effective in solving its constraint. However, they do not dismiss the use of the peers' flexibility assets to assure an overall feasible techno-economic solution. The use of the methodology proposed in the present paper can significantly facilitate the adoption of full P2P markets as well as the confidence of the system operators in the integration of these markets.& COPY; 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract
The rising potential for battery energy storage systems (BESS) to generate revenue in a market environment is addressed in this work, where a tool based on neural network predictions is proposed. The tool's main objective is predicting, based on historical data, the most lucrative out of three established bidding approaches for the participation of a BESS in the day-ahead energy market and thus aid the strategic bidding process of the BESS operator. Each of these bidding strategies reflects BESS's operator approach concerning bidding frequency and the tolerated risk of loss of profit from having its bids rejected, leading to the development of a conservative (strategy A), an aggressive (strategy B), and a moderate strategy (strategy C). A case study was then used to test the tool for a full year allowing to ascertain the assertiveness of this tool in predicting the best strategy, which for this case was above 88%.

Abstract
This work models a distributed community-based market with diverse assets (photovoltaic generators and energy storage systems), accounting for network constraints and adopting the relaxed branch flow model. The market is modeled in a single and fully distributed approach, employing the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to prevent voltage and line capacity problems in the community network and improve data privacy and reduce the communication burden. Different scenarios, based on the penalty term and the agents' number, are tested to study the efficiency of the algorithm and the convergence rate of the ADMM distributed model. The proposed method is tested on 10-bus, 22-bus, and 33-bus medium voltage radial distribution networks, where each node contains a large prosumer with one or several assets. One important conclusion is that the implemented residual balancing technique improves the efficiency of the ADMM distributed algorithm by increasing the convergence rate and reducing the computational time.

Abstract
In order to develop a flexible simulator, a variety of models for Ancillary Services (AS) negotiation has been implemented in MASCEM a multi-agent system competitive electricity markets simulator. In some of these models, the energy and the AS are addressed simultaneously while in other models they are addressed separately. This paper presents an energy and ancillary services joint market simulation. This paper proposes a deterministic approach for solving the energy and ancillary services joint market. A case study based on the dispatch of Regulation Down, Regulation Up, Spinning Reserve, and Non-Spinning Reserve services is used to demonstrate that the use of the developed methodology is suitable for solving this kind of optimization problem. The presented case study is based on CAISO real AS market data considers fifteen bids. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
In competitive electricity markets with deep concerns at the efficiency level, demand response programs gain considerable significance. In the same way, distributed generation has gained increasing importance in the operation and planning of power systems. Grid operators and utilities are taking new initiatives, recognizing the value of demand response and of distributed generation for grid reliability and for the enhancement of organized spot markets' efficiency. Grid operators and utilities become able to act in both energy and reserve components of electricity markets. This paper proposes a methodology for a joint dispatch of demand response and distributed generation to provide energy and reserve by a virtual power player that operates a distribution network. The proposed method has been computationally implemented and its application is illustrated in this paper using a 32 bus distribution network with 32 medium voltage consumers.