Can Blockchain Be Truly Sustainable? Almudena de la Mata Weighs In at DES 2025

Is blockchain compatible with sustainability? Can decentralised systems contribute meaningfully to the environmental goals of the European Union and beyond? And as the sector shifts from energy-intensive Proof of Work (PoW) models to more efficient Proof of Stake (PoS), are we truly seeing a transformation, or just a technical upgrade?

These were the questions at the heart of the roundtable “Sustainable Blockchain: From Proof of Work to Proof of Stake” at DES – Digital Enterprise Show 2025, held in Málaga. Among the voices shaping the conversation was Almudena de la Mata, CEO of Blockchain Intelligence, who joined Denisa Gibovic, founder of Blue Room Innovation, in a session moderated by Julio Merelo Casado from the Alastria Blockchain Ecosystem.

The discussion explored how blockchain technology is evolving. Almudena contributed a perspective grounded in practical implementation. While much of the focus was on the technological shift to PoS, she reminded the audience that sustainability goes beyond energy consumption. It also includes transparency, inclusion, traceability, and accountability, areas where blockchain can be a powerful enabler.

In this context, Almudena highlighted the DivAirCity project, a European initiative that promotes sustainable, inclusive urban innovation. She explained why DivAirCity chose the Alastria blockchain as the foundation for its digital infrastructure, as it is aligned with the values of environmental sustainability, community participation, and transparency.

The intervention of Blockchain Intelligence at DES 2025 reinforced our continued work in advancing blockchain’s role in social and environmental progress. By bridging technology with policy and civic action, Almudena made it clear that blockchain, when thoughtfully applied, can be a catalyst for real change.