A soft-linking method for responsive modelling of decarbonisation scenario costs

This study presents a methodology that integrates EnergyPLAN and Quintel Energy Transition Model (ETM). Quintel ETM encompasses a holistic view of energy demand and supply from a fixed base year and its user interface enables unparalleled public engagement, but it is constrained by its limited flexi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sustainable energy planning and management 2024-10, Vol.42, p.5-27
Main Authors: Cameron, Ché, Foley, Aoife, Lund, Henrik, McLoone, Seán
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Application programming interface
Carbon
Computer engineering
Cost analysis
Costs
Decarbonization
Energy consumption
Energy costs
Energy demand
Energy System Cost
Energy transition
EnergyPLAN
Future energy systems
Infrastructure
Planning
Public participation
Quintel
Soft-Linking
Software
Supply & demand
Technological change
User interface
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Summary:This study presents a methodology that integrates EnergyPLAN and Quintel Energy Transition Model (ETM). Quintel ETM encompasses a holistic view of energy demand and supply from a fixed base year and its user interface enables unparalleled public engagement, but it is constrained by its limited flexibility in updating deeply embedded cost parameters. This shortcoming becomes critical when considering the rapid pace of technological change and market volatility which is characteristic of contemporary energy systems. EnergyPLAN, with its focus on detailed, customizable cost analysis in heating and power sectors, compensates for these limitations by offering a user-friendly interface and a track record of validated costing approaches. This work contributes the `epnlink` python library for EnergyPLAN – a flexible input-output parser with functionality that extends beyond this study. A soft-linking methodology to map ETM outputs to EnergyPLAN inputs is developed and demonstrated on a case study of Northern Ireland. Alternative pathways to net zero carbon by 2050 are explored, where infrastructure for power and non-industrial heat, and total fuel usage are costed. The demonstrated pipeline has broad applicability as a template to enhance the agility and precision of key cost projections for responsive and strategic energy planning across diverse geographical contexts.
ISSN:2246-2929
2246-2929
DOI:10.54337/ijsepm.8234