FORNY260 Energy Use and Energy System Analysis

Energy system models allow us to analyze the design of energy systems that achieve the headline goal of the Paris Agreement of keeping global warming to well below 2⁰C and in so doing avoid dangerous climate change.

In this course we will combine knowledge from previous FORNY courses to analyse the complexities of net-zero energy system design. To do so we will learn how to use an energy system model. We will model energy demand and supply (with a focus on variable renewable energy sources), costs and technological characteristics of technologies and model constraints. We will define research question that can be answered with energy system models and develop scenarios allowing to answer the question.

We will also cover current topics in energy systems modelling such as the design of climate resilient energy systems and energy justice.

We will analyze reports (e.g. from the International Energy Agency) and scientific studies on the energy transition that are based on energy system modeling.

Knowledge

After completing the course, you

• are able to apply knowledge from previous FORNY courses and analyze an energy system with a particular focus on energy use.
• understand system interactions and complexity of the energy transition.

Skills

After completing the course, you

• are able to operate an energy system model of a local, regional or national scale, including changing input data
• are able to define research questions on energy systems
• are able to interpret model results
• are able to describe modelling approaches and results including shortcomings
• can read and critically analyze state-of-the-art literature based on energy system models
• are able to prepare a written project report and present the results to the class.

General competence

After completing the course, you are

• able to collaborate and solve a task together.