Energy system analytics and good governance -U4RIA goals of Energy Modelling for Policy Support

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.

Data-to-Deal (D2D): Open Data and Modelling of Long Term Strategies to Financial Resource Mobilization - the case of Costa Rica

“…vi Consistent with U4RIA goals 2 This exercise can help remove barriers to accessing international climate finance. Challenging aspects of mobilising and delivering climate finance from public sources include matchmaking actors at the international and national levels.…”

“…However, there are complexities and political sensitivities in designing LTSs, given the transformations they entail. Therefore, to be effective, any analytical simulation should be developed to produce inputs for the policy discussions and can be understood, discussed and accepted by a working majority of stakeholders 2,4 .…”

Techno-economic data and assumptions for long-term energy systems modelling in Viet Nam

“…The data can be used by academics, consultants, or government officials for further energy systems modelling in Viet Nam or Asia. The dataset promotes the U4RIA goals [1] , which are Ubuntu, Retrievability, Reusability, Repeatability, Reconstructability, Interoperability, and Auditability. The goals note how “energy modelling that provides policy support should not only be grounded in rigorous analytics, but also in good governance principles”.…”

Selected ‘Starter kit’ energy system modelling data for selected countries in Africa, East Asia, and South America (#CCG, 2021)

“…U4RIA are practical goals designed to improve energy modelling for policy support through guidelines and best practices (2). They are short for Ubuntu (meaning community focused), Retrievability, Reusability, Repeatability, Interoperability and Auditability.…”