Blockchain Transforms $8.4B in Energy Assets—Ant Digital’s Quiet Revolution

Ant Digital, the enterprise solutions arm of Jack Ma-backed Ant Group, has tokenized over 60 billion yuan ($8.4 billion) in energy infrastructure and power assets on its blockchain platform, AntChain, according to sources familiar with the matter. The initiative involves tracking the output and potential outages of more than 15 million new energy devices, including wind turbines and solar panels, across China, and uploading the data to the blockchain. This step marks one of the largest real-world applications of blockchain technology for asset tokenization in the country.

The tokenization process has already enabled Ant Digital to raise approximately 300 million yuan ($42 million) for three clean energy projects. For instance, in August 2024, the firm facilitated the raising of 100 million yuan for Shenzhen-listed Longshine Technology Group by linking over 9,000 of its electric charging units to the AntChain. In December, it raised more than 200 million yuan for GCL Energy Technology by connecting its photovoltaic assets to the blockchain. These projects demonstrate the potential of blockchain to streamline financing by eliminating traditional financial intermediaries such as loan officers, underwriters, and asset managers. Instead, companies can issue digital tokens representing fractional ownership or future revenue from the assets, reducing costs and accelerating access to capital [1].

The next phase of Ant Digital’s strategy involves expanding the tokenization model to offshore decentralized exchanges to improve liquidity for the digital assets. However, such moves are contingent on regulatory approvals, particularly in Hong Kong, where a new set of rules governing stablecoin issuance became effective in August. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is expected to grant the first batch of approvals early next year. Ant Digital is also participating in a sandbox program led by the HKMA aimed at advancing blockchain-based asset tokenization [1].

Despite Hong Kong’s regulatory openness, mainland China has imposed a strict ban on cryptocurrency-related transactions. Authorities have directed local brokers and financial institutions to cease promoting stablecoins, citing concerns about potential fraud and financial instability. This regulatory divergence highlights the challenges Ant Digital faces as it seeks to scale its blockchain initiatives while navigating a complex legal landscape [1].

Beyond financing, tokenization offers broader operational benefits. Experts note that the use of IoT devices enables continuous monitoring of energy assets, providing real-time data on performance and maintenance needs. This information is then recorded on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and immutability. As electricity is generated and costs are settled, returns are distributed to token holders proportionally, offering a clear, auditable view of asset performance [4].

Ant Digital is also expanding its blockchain infrastructure to support cross-border corporate payments through its international arm, Ant International, which is applying for stablecoin-related licenses. In July, it was reported that Ant Group was collaborating with stablecoin issuer Circle to integrate USDC into its blockchain platform. These efforts reflect a broader push to digitize financial systems and enhance efficiency in global transactions [3].

The initiative is part of a growing trend in tokenizing real-world assets, with other firms exploring similar models for equities, real estate, and government securities. While tokenization of energy assets is still in its early stages, the sector has seen significant growth in 2025, with on-chain value reaching $28.4 billion by mid-year, according to RWA.xyz. Ethereum remains the dominant blockchain for real-world asset tokenization, holding a 57% market share [3].

Source:

[1] Ant Digital Arm Puts $8 Billion Energy Assets on Its Blockchain (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-09/ant-digital-arm-puts-8-billion-energy-assets-on-its-blockchain)

[2] Jack Ma–Backed Ant Group Unit Leverages Blockchain for $8 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/jack-ma-backed-ant-group-042429528.html)

[3] Ant Digital is putting $8B in energy assets on the blockchain (https://cointelegraph.com/news/ant-digital-puts-8b-energy-assets-blockchain)

[4] Jack Ma's Ant Digital Taps Blockchain to Tokenize $8.4B in (https://decrypt.co/338591/jack-ma-ant-digital-blockchain-tokenize-chinas-energy)