Tracking the Open-Source Energy Modelling Ecosystem: Insights for Smarter Tool Selection

There is a vast ecosystem of open-source energy system modelling (ESM) tools. Hundreds of tools have been published to date, mostly originating from research organisations. However, few have gained enough traction to be considered by practitioners for infrastructure planning. If we are to make open-source the norm in decision making, we need to ensure it is possible to explore and compare the range of tools available.

This has not been possible. Until now.

In this talk, we introduce the Open Energy Modelling Tool Tracker (openmod-tracker), a platform that aggregates data on open ESM tool source code repositories and their development communities, created by Open Energy Transition with support from Breakthrough Energy GRIDS. We will share insights drawn from repository activity and user engagement, highlighting which tools demonstrate the strongest momentum and why these should be the focus of collaborative development efforts.

Complementing this, we present our open-source tool feature platform, designed to help practitioners select tools and developers identify feature gaps. Our goal is to expand the platform’s coverage and refine its taxonomy with input from the wider community. We see FOSDEM as an opportunity to kick-start this collaboration and invite you to join us in shaping the future of open-source energy modelling.