Open-source tools for modelling energy transitions paradigm in developing countries: a compatibility assessment study

Simulation models have provided reliable simulation pathways for planning the Global and national energy transition. While simulation tools have gained prominence in providing transition insights to modelling the energy paradigm of developed countries, their developing country counterparts have yet to gain a clear transition pathway. This could be due to the cost of commercial tools, technical know-how, and the complex attributes and underdevelopment of developing countries’ energy systems transition paradigm. Open-source energy simulation modelling tools (OsEMT) could help developing countries gain reliable insight and understand their modern energy transition paradigm and mitigate modelling bottlenecks posed by proprietary modelling tools. The current study aims to review open-source energy models suitable for emerging economies and conduct a compatibility assessment of OsEMT for modelling the energy transitions of Developing Countries. To do this, a review of 11 OsEMT was carried out based on information and secondary data from the applications of the models and how they have captured and obtained modelling insights about 33 thematic attributes of developing countries’ energy systems. A compatibility and suitability assessments were conducted for the investigation through a weighted scoring matrix and ranking. Results showed that most open-source energy models have been effectively and successfully applied to model the energy transition paradigm of developed countries. However, a few open-source models have ranked higher and are suitable for developing countries. OSeMOSYS, OEMOF and PyPSA were among the most compatible and suitable OsEMT for gaining reliable insights and modelling developing countries’ energy transition pathways, although OSeMOSYS is ranked highest. Recommendations for further research and holistic support for open-source energy modelling tools were provided.