**5.2 Blockchain**

Blockchain technology can improve the security and privacy of IoT-enabled energy management systems. Using a decentralized, tamper-proof ledger, blockchain can help prevent unauthorized access and data manipulation, ensuring the integrity and security of energy management systems [12]. Additionally, blockchain can facilitate secure, peer-to-peer energy transactions, enabling more efficient and flexible energy management solutions (**Figure 5**).

Blockchain technology addresses critical concerns related to data security, privacy, and transparency in IoT-enabled energy management. By creating an immutable and transparent record of energy transactions and data exchanges, blockchain ensures data integrity and prevents unauthorized tampering. Decentralized and peer-topeer energy trading becomes feasible, enabling direct transactions between energy producers and consumers. This disintermediation can lead to more efficient utilization of energy resources and greater flexibility in energy management. Blockchain's auditability also aids regulatory compliance, which is crucial in regulated energy markets. Energy certificates, carbon credits, and other compliance-related records can be securely stored and verified on the blockchain.
