OSeMOSYS

OSeMOSYS is a fully-fledged systems optimisation model for long-run energy planning. Unlike long established (partial equilibrium) energy systems models (such as MARKAL/TIMES, MESSAGE, or PRIMES), OSeMOSYS requires a significantly less learning curve and time commitment to build and operate. This is achieved via a simple (5 page open-source code) and a modular structure that allows more sophisticated model elements to be bolted in place of current formulations. Additionally, by not using proprietary software or commercial programming languages and solvers, OSeMOSYS requires no upfront financial investment.

OSeMOSYS has been created by a community of leading institutions, including UCL, and is capable of powerful energy systems analysis and prototyping new energy model formulations. It is typically used for the analysis of energy systems looking over the medium (10-15yrs) and long (50-100yrs) term. It is used by experienced modellers as an exploratory tool, by developing country modellers where data limitations are an issue, and as a teaching tool.

Model summary

Documentation

Documentation is available on the OSeMOSYS website.

Publications

Journal papers

Howells M., Rogner H., Strachan N., Heaps C., Huntington H., Kypreos S., Hughes A., Silveira S., DeCarolis J., Bazillian M. and Roehrl A. (2011) OSeMOSYS: The Open Source Energy Modeling System. Energy Policy 39(10): 5850-5870.