Planning and modelling of local integrated energy systems: Tools and strategies for the (local) renewable energy transition

Abstract

The immense challenge of transitioning the energy system in response to global climate change calls for meticulous energy planning and ambitious energy strategies at all scales of planning. Cities, municipalities, and local communities are increasingly seeking ways to contribute to the renewable energy system transition and developing their own local energy strategies. Combined with the on-going decentralisation of the energy system, it is evident that energy planning has progressed from being a primarily centralised task to being one that involves all scales of planning. Energy system modelling is used to develop multiple tangible energy system futures in the form of energy system scenarios, and it is becoming an integral part of planning for the renewable energy transition. However, recent literature suggests that methods and tools specifically for the local scale are lacking as they have traditionally been designed for national energy system analysis. This thesis provides insight into energy planning practices at the local level, uncovering challenges and exploring new methods and approaches for further application of energy system modelling.