Modelling Tools for Engineering-Level Planning of Energy Communities: A Review

Abstract Energy communities (EnCs) are emerging as a key mechanism for integrating distributed renewable energy resources and enhancing demand-side flexibility. Selecting appropriate modelling tools is critical for engineering-level planning of EnCs, including technology sizing and operational strategies. The paper combines a review of recent studies with a comparative analysis of selected modelling tools, outlining their capabilities, strengths, and limitations, with a focus on technical capabilities and usability. The findings reveal a growing availability of comprehensive open-source modelling tools, which are well-suited for advanced engineering-level planning of EnCs but require programming skills and expertise in energy system modelling. In contrast, commercial tools offer higher usability and are better suited for feasibility studies. Future development is expected to enhance their representation of demand-side flexibility.