The Open Energy Modelling Framework (oemof) - A novel approach in energy system modelling

Energy system models have become indispensable to shape future energy systems by providing insights into different trajectories. However, sustainable systems with high shares of renewable energy are characterised by growing crosssectoral interdependencies and decentralised structures. To capture important properties of increasingly complex energy systems, sophisticated and flexible modelling environments are needed. This paper presents the Open Energy Modelling Framework (oemof) as a novel approach in energy system modelling, representation and analysis. The framework forms a structured set of tools and sub-frameworks to construct comprehensive energy system models and has been published open source under a free licence. Using a collaborative development approach and extensive documentation on different levels, the framework seeks for a maximum level of transparency. Based on a generic graph based description of energy systems it is well suited to flexibly model complex crosssectoral systems ranging from a distributed or urban to a transnational scale. This makes the framework a multi-purpose modelling environment for strategic planning of future energy systems.