Ant Digital Technologies, the enterprise blockchain arm of Jack Ma’s Ant Group, is bringing real-world energy assets on-chain. The company is in the process of tokenising more than 60 billion yuan ($8.4 billion) worth of power infrastructure, a move that signals both the scale and ambition of China’s largest fintech-backed blockchain project.
$8B Energy Assets Moving On-Chain
According to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter, Ant Digital is tokenising a vast portfolio of energy assets, including wind turbines, solar panels and electric charging stations, through its AntChain blockchain. The network has already been recording operational data from more than 15 million energy devices across China, monitoring power output and outages in real time.
This infrastructure data forms the backbone for tokenisation, helping investors track and verify asset performance on-chain. By making energy production data tamper-resistant and transparent, Ant aims to build trust in the tokens linked to these assets.
Early Financing Success and Expansion Plans
Ant Digital has already tested its tokenisation framework through three clean energy projects, collectively raising about 300 million yuan ($42 million). The company now plans to issue digital tokens tied to these projects, opening up a broader market for investors.
In August 2024, Ant Digital raised 100 million yuan ($14 million) for Longshine Technology Group by linking 9,000 of its charging units to AntChain. Later in December, it secured over 200 million yuan ($28 million) for GCL Energy Technology by connecting photovoltaic assets to the blockchain.
While the current focus is on domestic financing, Ant is also exploring international options. One potential future step is to list these energy-linked tokens on decentralised offshore exchanges to improve liquidity. However, this move would depend heavily on regulatory approval, both within China and abroad.
Why Tokenising Energy Matters
Asset tokenisation bypasses traditional financing routes by allowing companies to issue digital tokens directly to investors. This approach reduces costs, speeds up funding and opens access to retail investors who are typically excluded from infrastructure deals.
For clean energy developers, tokenisation provides a more efficient way to secure capital without relying on underwriters or banks. For investors, it offers a transparent way to gain exposure to renewable infrastructure projects at a lower entry threshold.
By embedding energy output data directly into blockchain records, Ant Digital adds an additional layer of accountability to tokenised financing. This could help accelerate investment in China’s clean energy transition by broadening the investor base.
Stablecoin and RWA Market Context
Ant Group’s blockchain strategy extends beyond energy assets. In July, reports revealed that Ant was working with Circle, the issuer of USDC, to integrate stablecoins into its blockchain platform. Its global arm, Ant International, has also been applying for stablecoin-related licences while building infrastructure for cross-border payments.
The timing of Ant’s push comes as real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation is seeing record growth globally. On-chain RWA value has surged to $28.4 billion this week, nearly double since the start of the year, according to RWA.xyz. More than half of this value comes from tokenised private credit, while over a quarter is tied to US Treasuries. Ethereum remains the leading chain for RWA issuance with a 57% market share.
Looking Ahead
By putting billions of yuan worth of energy infrastructure on AntChain, Ant Digital is positioning itself as a key player in the RWA ecosystem. Its approach combines blockchain-based transparency with China’s vast renewable energy footprint, giving institutional and retail investors new channels to participate.
If regulatory pathways allow, the move could expand well beyond China, potentially making tokenised clean energy one of the most significant sectors in the broader RWA market.
