## 6 Applications of Blockchain in Distributed Decision-Making
### Energy Sector  
The use of blockchain technology in the energy industry, namely in the management of distributed energy resources and smart grids, signifies a significant transition towards more decentralized and efficient energy systems. The ability of blockchain to optimize operations, improve transparency, and ensure safe data transmission is well suited to the requirements of contemporary energy networks, which heavily depend on a variety of energy supplies spread across different locations [97].  
Distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems, provide distinct difficulties for energy management due to their fluctuating nature, decentralized nature, and the requirement for meticulous coordination. Conventional centralized energy management systems frequently face challenges in effectively incorporating several small-scale, sporadic energy sources. Blockchain technology provides a possible answer by enabling secure and real-time communication and transaction capabilities across a distributed network [98].  
Blockchain allows for a decentralized approach to energy management within the framework of smart grids. Smart grids, which utilize digital communication technologies to identify and respond to local fluctuations in consumption, can derive several advantages from blockchain. Blockchain may be utilized to establish a safe and transparent platform for energy trade transactions. In the context of peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading, houses equipped with solar panels have the ability to directly sell any surplus electricity to nearby residents or other interested parties without the involvement of conventional energy providers as intermediaries. This not only improves efficiency by decreasing transmission losses linked to distant energy sources but also promotes the utilization of renewable energy by making it more economically feasible and advantageous for producers. Furthermore, blockchain enables enhanced demand response tactics inside smart grids. Blockchain ensures the integrity and permanence of data exchanges, creating a dependable and precise database that captures energy use trends. Utility companies may utilize this data to enhance their capacity to forecast increases in demand and make necessary adjustments to supply, a critical factor in ensuring grid stability and optimizing energy distribution. Furthermore, blockchain technology can facilitate the implementation of flexible pricing models that respond to changes in power supply and demand [99]. This encourages consumers to decrease their use during high-demand periods or move it to times when demand is lower.  
Blockchain technology offers capabilities that can affect cybersecurity and regulatory compliance in the energy sector. When it comes to meeting high regulatory criteria for transparency and reporting, the inherent qualities of the technology--which include data integrity, traceability, and security--are rather crucial. Furthermore, by stopping illegal access and data manipulation, blockchain technology enhances the cybersecurity of smart grids. This protects smart grids against probable flaws and hazards that can disturb the supply and distribution of power [100].