• Energy Research

This paper presents an innovative approach to address global energy planning challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It proposes an integrated framework consisting of an international enabling environment, a delivery ecosystem, and a community of practice. The framework aims to enhance national agency and coordination, overcome limitations of outsourcing, and improve the accessibility and usability of consultant outputs. Five strategic principles for energy planning in LMICs are introduced, prioritizing national ownership, coherence, inclusivity, human capacity development, analysis robustness, transparency, and accessibility. Two key knowledge products, the Open-Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and the power system Flexibility Tool (IRENA FlexTool), are highlighted as examples from the delivery ecosystem. To ensure sustainability, a community of practice called OpTIMUS is introduced. Preliminary outcomes from the deployment of these pathways show promise and further investigation is needed to assess long-term impacts, scalability, replication, and deployment costs. (Full Abstract available in the manuscript)

Abstract Energy modelling is the process of using mathematical models to develop abstractions and then seek insights into future energy systems. It can be an abstract academic activity. Or, it can insert threads that influence our development. We argue therefore, that energy modelling that provides policy support (EMoPS) should not only be grounded in rigorous analytics, but also in good governance principles. As, together with other policy actions, it should be accountable. Almost all aspects of society and much of its impact on the environment are influenced by our use of energy. In this context, EMoPS can inspire, motivate, calibrate, and ‘post assess’ energy policy. But, such modeling is often undertaken by too few analysts under time and resource pressure. Building on the advances of ‘class leaders’, we propose that EMoPS should reach for practical goals — including engagement and accountability with the communities it involves, and those it will later affect. (We use the term Ubuntu, meaning ‘I am because you are’ to capture this interdependency). We argue that Ubuntu, together with retrievability, repeatability, reconstructability, interoperability and auditability (U4RIA) of EMoPS should be used to signal the beginnings of a new default practice. We demonstrate how the U4RIA principles can contribute in practice using recent modelling of aspirational energy futures by Costa Rica as a case study. This modelling effort includes community involvement and interfaces and integrates stakeholder involvement. It leaves a trail that allows for its auditing and accountability, while building capacity and sustainable institutional memory.