Tools assisting decision making on energy systems

Conference · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1998

OSTI ID:20000207

Hakvoort, R A; Daalen, C.E. van; Eeten, M J.G. van; Bouwmans, I

Integration of innovative energy systems in the existing energy infrastructure often encounters severe difficulties. There are many possible barriers, of a technical, economic, ecologic or societal nature. For energy companies, it is important to have insight into the possible effects of decisions on energy system expansion with alternative technologies in an early stage, especially because capital-intensive technology with a long lifetime is involved. A concise overview of existing models and tools is presented. The paper summarizes research done for several Dutch energy companies on the tools and models available in literature. The review is not exhaustive, but it provides some insight in the availability of tools for analyzing and evaluating the issues relating to systems integration. The tools studied vary from simple arithmetic models to complex multi-objective optimization programs or multicriteria analyses. Special attention is given to the relation between the application of tools and the decision-making process. It is concluded that, although there are many tools for detailed analysis of specific issues, more general, 'quick-scan'-type tools are in the minority. Exactly this type of tool may provide useful information in the early stage of any decision-making process on energy.

• Research Organization: Delft University of Technology (NL)
• OSTI ID: 20000207
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
DECISION MAKING
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLANNING
POWER SYSTEMS
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT