TL;DR
- Energy Tokenization: Ant Digital is converting $8.4 billion worth of wind, solar, and EV infrastructure into blockchain tokens, enabling real-time data tracking and decentralized financing.
- Decentralized Funding: $42 million raised so far through tokenized clean energy projects, bypassing banks and opening access to retail investors.
- Stablecoin Strategy: Ant Group partners with Circle to integrate USDC and expand global blockchain payment infrastructure.
Ant Digital Technologies, the enterprise arm of Jack Ma’s Ant Group, is making a bold leap into blockchain-based energy financing. The company is tokenizing $8.4 billion worth of Chinese energy infrastructure on its proprietary AntChain network, marking a significant milestone in the RWA tokenization movement. This project highlights the possibilities of blockchain in clean energy and indicates Ant Group’s wider goals in DeFi and stablecoin integration.
Tokenizing China’s Clean Energy Backbone
Ant Digital is converting 60 billion yuan ($8.4 billion) of energy assets into blockchain-based tokens. These assets span 15 million devices across China, with real-time data on power output and outages being uploaded to AntChain. This digitization enables more transparent and efficient tracking of energy performance, laying the groundwork for tokenized financing.
The company has finished funding three clean energy projects with this model. In August 2024, Ant Digital raised 100 million yuan ($14 million) for Longshine Technology Group, connecting 9,000 electric charging units to its blockchain. In December, it obtained over 200 million yuan ($28 million) for GCL Energy Technology by tokenizing solar assets.
Financing Without Middlemen
Asset tokenization enables Ant Digital to avoid conventional financial middlemen such as loan officers and underwriters. By issuing digital tokens directly to investors, the company reduces costs, accelerates funding access, and opens infrastructure investment to retail participants. This democratization of energy financing could reshape how large-scale projects are funded in China and beyond.
Ant Digital has raised a total of 300 million yuan ($42 million) through tokenized clean energy projects so far. The next step involves issuing tradable tokens linked to these assets, potentially on decentralized offshore exchanges. However, this move is contingent on regulatory approval, which remains a critical hurdle.
Stablecoin Integration and Global Reach
Ant Group’s ambitions extend beyond energy. In July, it was announced that the company was collaborating with Circle to add USDC to its blockchain platform. Meanwhile, Ant International is pursuing stablecoin-related licenses and building infrastructure for cross-border corporate payments. These efforts align with Ant’s vision of a globally connected financial ecosystem powered by blockchain.
