Empowerment through openness: the future of energy modelling

For decades, energy system planning has relied on commercial software. However, such tools can result in lock-in, high costs and reduced transparency. At the same time, for many low- and medium-income countries, increasing license fees and declining financial support from international partners have made continued access to these tools increasingly challenging, potentially slowing Paris-aligned energy transitions.

Open-source modelling frameworks such as PyPSA and OSeMOSYS have now reached a high-level of maturity and are used by leading institutions beyond academia, including ACER, Elia Group, ENTSO-E and TenneT. These models offer a cost-effective, transparent approach to policymaking and benefit from a vibrant global community that fosters innovation and collaboration. 

To advance the use of open-source modelling for energy system planning, Agora Energiewende is hosting this event to discuss how open-source tools can strengthen science-based, transparent and robust energy planning. The discussion will be accompanied by the launch of our open-source model builder – PyPSA-SPICE (PyPSA-based Scenario Planning and Integrated Capacity Expansion).

Join us to hear from different high-level representatives on the needs and impact of open-source modelling. Leaders from a range of organisations – from governments, think tanks, academia and philanthropic organisations – will share how the community can best cooperate to build a stronger open-source modelling ecosystem. Building on Agora’s long-standing experience connecting modelling with policymaking, this event will explore practical ways to connect open-source modelling community with policy action.

Presentation
We will publish the presentation after the event.

Recording
We plan to record the event. The recording will be published shortly after the event.

We look forward to your participation and an interesting discussion!