Network Overview
A high-level summary of the React Network.
Background
As the energy transition brings about more variable energy generation like wind and solar, the importance of real-time energy flexibility becomes critical to system stability. The IEA estimates we need to increase energy system flexibility 10x by 2030. Virtual power plants are uniquely suited to balancing the power markets in real-time, and are therefore integral to modernizing our energy system.
React is on a mission to build a more agile and connected grid. Successfully decarbonizing our energy industry depends on it.
Distributed energy resources provide the basis for a stable, sustainable, and abundant energy system. However, distributed energy resources cannot add value in a silo; resources must be pooled to serve at grid-scale. Networks of distributed resources enable granular control of energy system flexibility and reduce performance risk. These networks are known as virtual power plants; they are critical to modernizing our energy system in a world built on renewable energy.
The React protocol is completely transparent. All critical data, fees, financial settlement, and ownership information resides on-chain. Assets are anchored by their on-chain reputation, increasing the effectiveness of the protocol in underwriting its aggregate reliability. The protocol is anchored by the KWH token, which allows the protocol to function as a digitally-enabled cooperative. KWH tokens are distributed to participants who may take an active role in growing and stewarding the protocol. By aligning incentives through the KWH token, React mobilizes individuals to become active participants in the protocol, enabling the energy transition in a permissionless fashion.
How the React Network Works
Energy monitors and distributed energy resources are connected to React by resource contributors. These assets are tagged based on their qualities- location, capacity, max output, chemistry, etc. React continually monitors, tests, logs, and verifies devices to ensure the network maintains a high-fidelity picture of its connected resources.
Market Participants (MPs), which can include utilities, REPs, and QSEs, among others, can build pools on top of the React Network. Similar to Bitcoin mining pools, resource contributors can opt-in to available pools in their region. Payment terms and fees are determined by market participants and posted to their pool terms. React will collect payments from market participants and settle with pool participants via stablecoin.
Token Economy
The KWH token is the backbone of the React ecosystem. It is a digital commodity used by the two primary parties in the ecosystem:
Resource contributors are rewarded in KWH for deploying energy monitors and connecting distributed energy resources on the grid
Market participants must consume KWH to mint Data Tickets, which are fungible, non-transferable tokens used to redeem API calls to utilize the network's data and EMS. Data Tickets will be priced at a fixed ratio against the USD. The amount of Data Tickets necessary to use the network varies depending on the end service (data streaming, M&V, dispatch, etc.)
KWH demand is based on the Burn-and-Mint Equilibrium with Net Emissions model, first pioneered by Helium. This creates commodity-like properties for KWH. For example, a transportation company must purchase and consume fuel to provide its services to customers. Similarly, market participants building on React must purchase and consume KWH tokens to redeem the network's services.
KWH is also used for governance, community grants, and institutional partnerships.
Governance
React is a decentralized, community-driven project. It is a new form of energy cooperative. Governance will be stewarded by the React Foundation and governed by community votes on React Network Proposals (RNPs). Proposals can include, among others:
Adjusting network configurations and parameters
Whitelisting of energy resources
Community incentives and grants
Institutional partnerships
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