Opening the black box of energy modelling

Strategies and lessons learned

Journal article (2018)

Authors

Stefan Pfenninger ETH Zürich
Lion Hirth Neon Neue Energieökonomik GmbH, Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Hertie School of Governance GmbH
Simon Hilpert University of Flensburg
Uwe Krien Reiner Lemoine Institut
Carsten Matke Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR)
Arjuna Nebel Wuppertal Institute
Robbie Morrison Energy Consultant
Berit Müller Reiner Lemoine Institut
Guido Pleßmann Reiner Lemoine Institut
Matthias Reeg Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR)
Abhishek Shivakumar KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Ingmar Schlecht University of Basel
Iain Staffell Imperial College London
Tim Tröndle University of Cambridge
Clemens Wingenbach University of Flensburg
Eva Schmid PIK, GERMANWATCH
Frauke Wiese Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Tom Brown Goethe University
Chris Davis University Medical Center Groningen
Matthew Gidden International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg
Heidi Heinrichs Institute of Energy and Climate Research
Clara Heuberger Imperial College London
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Published Date

2018

Language

English

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Abstract

The global energy system is undergoing a major transition, and in energy planning and decision-making across governments, industry and academia, models play a crucial role. Because of their policy relevance and contested nature, the transparency and open availability of energy models and data are of particular importance. Here we provide a practical how-to guide based on the collective experience of members of the Open Energy Modelling Initiative (Openmod). We discuss key steps to consider when opening code and data, including determining intellectual property ownership, choosing a licence and appropriate modelling languages, distributing code and data, and providing support and building communities. After illustrating these decisions with examples and lessons learned from the community, we conclude that even though individual researchers’ choices are important, institutional changes are still also necessary for more openness and transparency in energy research.