  This applied research paper introduces a novel framework for integrating
hardware security and blockchain functionality with grid-edge devices to
establish a distributed cyber-security mechanism that verifies the provenance
of messages to and from the devices. Expanding the idea of Two Factor
Authentication and Hardware Root of Trust, this work describes the development
of a Cryptographic Trust Center(TM) (CTC(TM)) chip integrated into grid-edge
devices to create uniform cryptographic key management. Product managers,
energy system designers, and security architects can utilize this modular
framework as a unified approach to manage distributed devices of various
vendors, vintages, and sizes. Results demonstrate the application of CTC(TM) to
a blockchain-based Transactive Energy (TE) platform for provisioning of
cryptographic keys and improved uniformity of the operational network and data
management. This process of configuring, installing, and maintaining keys is
described as Eco-Secure Provisioning(TM) (ESP(TM)). Laboratory test results
show the approach can resolve several cyber-security gaps in common blockchain
frameworks such as Hyperledger Fabric.
