The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fossil Energy Office will offer funding of up to $4.8 million to 12 promising energy-related university research projects, including a focus on blockchain.

In a press release, DOE says the grant is part of its University Training and Research initiative, which aims to develop the future workforce in fossil energy applications.

One of the areas of focus is on “Cyber Sensors for Fossil Power Generation”. This project will study the latest technologies such as blockchain, and decentralized, peer-to-peer internet protocols in order to enhance the “process signal data and other information flows within distributed sensor networks for fossil-based power generation systems”

The Office of Fossil Energy is in charge of Federal research, development, and demonstration efforts on advanced power generation, as well as the development of technological solutions for the prudent and sustainable development of US unconventional oil and gas domestic resources.