# Energy-recycling Blockchain with Proof-of-Deep-Learning

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1902.03912 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1902.03912/

## Key facts

- Cited by 7 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 11 Feb 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 7 of 7)

- [Proof-of-Federated-Learning-Subchain: Free Partner Selection Subchain Based on Federated Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.16342/) (2023)
- [Can Blockchains Reliably Train Machine Learning Models?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.07066/) (2023)
- [Connecting AI Learning and Blockchain Mining in 6G Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2104.14088/) (2021)
- [A Collaboration Strategy in the Mining Pool for Proof-of-Neural-Architecture Consensus](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.07089/) (2022)
- [Proof of Deep Learning: Approaches, Challenges, and Future Directions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.16730/) (2023)
- [SEDULity: A Proof-of-Learning Framework for Distributed and Secure Blockchains with Efficient Useful Work](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.13666/) (2025)
- [HadAgent: Harness-Aware Decentralized Agentic AI Serving with Proof-of-Inference Blockchain Consensus](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.18614/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

An enormous amount of energy is wasted in Proofof-Work (PoW) mechanisms adopted by popular blockchain applications (e.g., PoW-based cryptocurrencies), because miners must conduct a large amount of computation. Owing to this, one serious rising concern is that the energy waste not only dilutes the value of the blockchain but also hinders its further application. In this paper, we propose a novel blockchain design that fully recycles the energy required for facilitating and maintaining it, which is re-invested to the computation of deep learning. We realize this by proposing Proof-of-Deep-Learning (PoDL) such that a valid proof for a new block can be generated if and only if a proper deep learning model is produced. We present a proof-of-concept design of PoDL that is compatible with the majority of the cryptocurrencies that are based on hash-based PoW mechanisms. Our benchmark and simulation results show that the proposed design is feasible for various popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin.