Application: PowerGrid Network

[kunal-drall]

Project Abstract

This is a follow-up grant application. PowerGrid Network has successfully completed two Polkadot Fast Grants milestones ($10,000 total) and is now applying for continued funding to build a production-ready DePIN platform.
Previous Grant: Polkadot Fast Grants - PowerGrid Network
PowerGrid Network is a decentralized Virtual Power Plant (VPP) solution built on the Polkadot blockchain to address the escalating global energy crisis. With a projected 200 GW electricity shortfall in the U.S. by 2030 and billions required to build traditional infrastructure, PowerGrid offers a radically scalable alternative: transforming homes into a coordinated, AI-optimized energy network.
Our platform integrates smart devices—like thermostats, EV chargers, and appliances—via IoT and AI-driven recommendations to reduce energy usage during peak demand without sacrificing user comfort. Participants are rewarded with $PWGD tokens for contributing to grid stability, creating a compelling financial incentive for adoption. Unlike centralized VPPs, PowerGrid’s DePIN-based model uses blockchain for transparency, programmable rewards, and community governance, ensuring trust and rapid network growth.
By focusing initially on smart plug integration and targeting high-demand regions with progressive energy policies, PowerGrid aims to become the foundation for a new energy paradigm: community-powered, clean, and economically sustainable.

Grant level

• Level 1: Up to $10,000, 2 approvals
• Level 2: Up to $30,000, 3 approvals
• Level 3: Unlimited, 5 approvals (for >$100k: Web3 Foundation Council approval)

Application Checklist

• The application template has been copied and aptly renamed (project_name.md).
• I have read the application guidelines.
• Payment details have been provided (Polkadot AssetHub (USDC & DOT) address in the application and bank details via email, if applicable).
• I understand that an agreed upon percentage of each milestone will be paid in vested DOT, to the Polkadot address listed in the application.
• I am aware that, in order to receive a grant, I (and the entity I represent) have to successfully complete a KYC/KYB check.
• The software delivered for this grant will be released under an open-source license specified in the application.
• The initial PR contains only one commit (squash and force-push if needed).
• The grant will only be announced once the first milestone has been accepted (see the announcement guidelines).
• I prefer the discussion of this application to take place in a private Element/Matrix channel. My username is: @_______:matrix.org (change the homeserver if you use a different one)

[diogo-w3f]

@kunal-drall Thanks for the grant application. Do you have any real clients or interested users in the PowerGrid network? I see that you have a history of developing software projects, did any of them become a real business? I understand that developing and continuing to develop can be fun, but what about actually launching these products? Could you tell me more about that?