Blockchain Power Play: Ant Digital Turns Energy Assets into Digital Gold

Ant Digital Technologies, the enterprise solutions arm of Jack Ma-backed Ant Group, is reportedly tokenizing over 60 billion yuan ($8.4 billion) worth of energy infrastructure and power assets on its blockchain platform, AntChain. The initiative, reported by Bloomberg and others, represents one of the most significant real-world applications of blockchain technology in China. AntChain is already monitoring power output and outages from approximately 15 million energy devices, including wind turbines and solar panels, and recording this data on the blockchain, creating an immutable and transparent dataset for the grid [1].

The tokenization process has already moved beyond the tracking phase. Ant Digital has issued asset-backed tokens and used them to raise capital for clean energy projects. To date, the firm has secured 300 million yuan ($42 million) in funding for three such projects, demonstrating the potential of tokenization to streamline capital raising by bypassing traditional financial intermediaries [1]. Investors are offered digital tokens that represent fractional ownership or revenue rights in the underlying assets, reducing the need for intermediaries such as underwriters or brokers and lowering transaction costs [2]. This model not only accelerates funding access but also broadens the pool of potential investors, including retail participants, who are typically excluded from infrastructure financing [3].

Ant Digital tested the model with offshore investors, successfully raising 100 million yuan for Longshine Technology Group in August 2024 by linking 9,000 of its electric charging units to AntChain. In December, it secured over 200 million yuan for GCL Energy Technology by connecting its photovoltaic assets to the platform [2]. The growing success of these ventures has led executives to consider expanding the model by listing tokens on offshore decentralized exchanges to improve liquidity, although this will depend on regulatory approvals [1].

Regulatory considerations are critical to the future of Ant Digital’s blockchain-based energy financing. While Hong Kong has introduced clearer rules for stablecoins and is moving toward approving the first set of licenses, mainland China remains cautious, maintaining a blanket ban on crypto-related transactions to mitigate financial instability risks [4]. Ant Digital has also joined a Hong Kong Monetary Authority-led sandbox to explore blockchain applications for real-world asset tokenization, indicating its cautious yet strategic approach [4]. Meanwhile, Ant International is separately applying for stablecoin-related licenses and using blockchain infrastructure for cross-border payments [4].

The broader tokenization market is still in its early stages, but global momentum is growing. Blockchain networks like Ethereum and Polygon are increasingly supporting automated compliance, and companies like Securitize and BlackRock are experimenting with tokenized bonds and Treasuries [1]. Ant Group’s venture adds energy infrastructure to this evolving landscape. Despite the challenges, the potential for blockchain to transform infrastructure financing by enhancing transparency, reducing costs, and expanding access to capital is evident in Ant Digital’s efforts [3].

Source: [1] Jack Ma–Backed Ant Group Unit Leverages Blockchain for $8 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/jack-ma-backed-ant-group-042429528.html) [2] Ant Digital is putting $8B in energy assets on the blockchain (https://cointelegraph.com/news/ant-digital-puts-8b-energy-assets-blockchain) [3] Ant digital arm puts 60 billion yuan energy assets on its ... (https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/ant-digital-arm-puts-60-billion-yuan-energy-assets-its-blockchain) [4] Ant Digital Arm Puts $8 Billion Energy Assets on Its ... (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-09/ant-digital-arm-puts-8-billion-energy-assets-on-its-blockchain)