Better suited or just more complex? On the fit between user needs and modeller-driven improvements of energy system models

High-resolution large-scale onshore wind energy assessments: A review of potential definitions, methodologies and future research needs

“…To a large extent, this contradicts the ongoing strive to increase detail and complexity in energy modelling e but increased complexity may also hide the normative and socially constructed nature of the assumptions determining the model output [301]. It is essential that models include not only technical detail but also the social and political constraints that determine where, how much, and how fast wind power can be expanded: focussing only on technology will increase model complexity and apparent precision, but it will not necessarily make the model more useful for real-world wind power planning [302].…”

“…Potential assessments must explicitly include social and political factors to be relevant for wind power planning, because these factors are currently, and in the foreseeable future, the main barriers to continued wind deployment and designation of new expansion areas. Ignoring them may lead to misleading, typically overestimated, results [302]. If, in contrast, these soft factors are explicitly included, models and potential assessments can make an important contribution to wind power planning and policy by showing where and how much wind power could be placed, under which conditions.…”

Strategies for the Mobilization and Deployment of Local Low-Value, Heterogeneous Biomass Resources for a Circular Bieconomy

“…Today, especially modularity of renewable electricity generation, prosumer frameworks and demand-side management are rather coined by questions on social participation instead of acceptance. Participatory processes in governance and investments and in providing energy production and consumption flexibility or engaging and nudging social networks to enhanced energy efficiency or more sustainable consumption hold significant potentials, not yet recognized, e.g., in energy system planning [34][35][36].…”

Open energy system modelling to support the European Green Deal

“…First, decision-makers seek models that go beyond the techno-economic sphere and take into account all relevant aspects of the energy transition, including social, political, and environmental aspects ( Süsser et al , 2022 ). Yet, factors such as social preferences and policy dynamics are entirely ignored most of the time, or only considered as an exogenous narrative ( Krumm, Süsser and Blechinger, 2022 ).…”

“…Second, much of the data and results from energy models need to be made as open and accessible as possible to be useful to different users ( Bazilian et al , 2012 ; Süsser et al , 2022 ). Transparency is key to ensuring that the implications and limitations of each model are fully understood such that they can be better applied in the context of potential policy options ( Hülk et al , 2018 ).…”