Why the DOE Needs Blockchain to Secure the Grid

> This would be used to verify exchanges within a grid edge energy-delivery system, he said. “Grid edge devices lack visibility, control and security to conduct real-time energy transactions with the required security, speed and scale,” he said.

Visibility - ICCP/TASE.2

Control - Currently operated by a transmission/distribution control center EMS

Security - NERC-CIP [1] and in-house electric grid security professionals

Real-time energy transactions - Energy Imbalance Market (WECC) [2][2a]

I'm not sure how exactly blockchain is going to help provide a better solution compared to what we currently are using. I'm not a blockchain expert, but the solutions the article mentions seem very vague and lacking in substance. My question, and this is for hopefully someone working in the energy+blockchain or electric grid cybersecurity fields, but how specifically does having using blockchain increase security for energy market participants?

[1] https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/56236.pdf

[2] http://www.nerc.com/pa/Stand/Pages/CIPStandards.aspx

[2a] https://energypolicy.asu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EIM-...