Large scale energy system analysis applying Balmorel

• Collect and evaluate data critically e.g. by comparing production costs of technologies
• Develop internally consistent future energy scenarios
• Represent energy demand, conversion and resource potentials for future energy systems
• Analyse national energy system scenarios
• Validate and explain results
• Clarify sensitivities of main assumptions through sensitivity analysis
• Synthesise the main conclusions and discuss results in relation to results of other energy system analyses and current debate in society
• Choose between different types of energy system models for different purposes
• Explain the main functionalities of the Balmorel model
• Critically reflect on tool functionalities as well as main assumptions and limitations of energy system analyses

We introduce the concepts of energy system analysis and scenario building. In lectures, exercises and project work the students gradually learn how to build scenarios and analyse future large scale energy systems, as well as assess energy system analyses performed by others. The GAMS based tool, Balmorel, will be applied as an exemplary model.

42101/42112, It is definitely recommended to have a basic understanding of operation research in order to get the full benefit of this course and perform well. It is also an advantage to have an understanding of energy economics e.g. through course 42015.

The course consists of lectures, exercises and a group project assignment. The students learn to develop future energy scenarios and undertake energy system analyses of these scenarios with the Balmorel tool.