PhD in Developing an integrated framework for energy system modelling (0.7 – 1.0 FTE)

In this project you will help develop a joint modelling approach together with other PhD and senior researchers. This PhD project targets to enhance energy system modelling capabilities, making use of state of the art data management and computing capabilities. Modelling frameworks for energy system and scenario analyses are available, making use of optimisation and simulation methods and interlinked with macro-economic models. Nevertheless, new and future demands and problems require increase of the level of detail (e.g. with respect to technologies covered, spatial and temporal resolution, infrastructure and system integration). Balancing between data resolution and quality, computation capabilities and the achievable reliability as well as improved insight in the uncertainties of Energy System Model results is hard to manage. This PhD project focuses on what improvements are achievable (building on international state of the art knowledge and capabilities available at the research partners in this project), implements them (in close collaboration with other PhD projects in this programme) and demonstrates results of combined use of model framework components and improved scenario’s. This will allow to connect the gained insights to other parallel projects within the programme that focuses on modelling the energy and climate transition.

The PhD-project is part of the programme KCET, which aims to generate integrated insights for the energy transition between TNO, Utrecht University, and other partners, You will closely collaborate with other PhD researchers in this programme and staff from the participating institutions.