Energy system modeling can be used to develop internally consistent quantified scenarios. These provide key insights needed to mobilise finance, understand market development, infrastructure deployment and the associated role of institutions, and generally support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modeling, especially in developing countries, thereby causing delays to decision making. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero-order energy system model for a range of developing countries in Africa, East Asia, and South America, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organisations, journal articles, and existing modeling studies. This means that the datasets can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. As an example, these data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model for Kenya using the Open Source Energy Modeling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020-2050. The assumptions used and the results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.

Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) are important tools to analyse cross-sectoral interdependencies and the use of global resources. Most current tools are highly detailed and require expert knowledge and proprietary software to generate scenarios and analyse their insights. In this paper, the complementary Global Least-cost User-friendly CLEWs Open-Source Exploratory (GLUCOSE) model is presented as a highly-aggregated global IAM, open and accessible from source to solver and using the OSeMOSYS tool and the CLEWs framework. The model enables the exploration of policy measures on the future development of the integrated resource system. Thanks to its relatively simple structure, it requires low computational resources allowing for the generation of a large number of scenarios or to quickly conduct preliminary investigations. GLUCOSE is targeted towards education and training purposes by a range of interested parties, from students to stakeholders and decision-makers, to explore possible future pathways towards the sustainable management of global resources.

A motivation for integrated resource assessments is that they can capture indirect cross-sectoral effects of sectoral policies. This work investigates the electricity system implications from the implementation of basin-wide electricity and water systems efficiency measures. The spatial scope includes the four states that share the Syr Darya River basin. Different interests dictate the management of water resources in the basin. They are necessary for irrigation downstream in spring and summer and upstream, for hydropower generation during winter. The study investigated options to decrease the need for electricity upstream through efficiency measures and by the expansion of regional electricity trade. The scenarios were simulated by developing a multi-country electricity system model using the open source energy modelling system (OSeMOSYS). The results show that lesser investments in hydropower capacity could be needed and less water required in winter. This would reduce pressure on shared water resources.

Hydropower contributed to about 86% of Uganda's total electricity generation in 2016 (UBOS, 2016). With more than 2000 MW of investments in the pipeline, within the next decade (Platts 2016), this technology is expected to play a critical role in Uganda's transition to a higher consumption level in the multi-tier framework for measuring energy access (MEMD 2015). Competition for water sources is a common challenge among its users. In this case, hydropower infrastructure is not an exception, and water allocation is frequently prioritized to supply domestic and agriculture sectors. With Uganda’s population expected to double by 2050 compared to 2015 levels (UNDESA 2017), the competition for water among the different sectors is only expected to increase. In addition to this, climatic variables, like precipitation and temperature, introduce a high variability in the availability of surface water (Maslin and Austin 2012). Hence, before locking down on major infrastructure decisions as is the case of large-scale hydropower plants (\textgreater100 MW), it is prudent to take into consideration the cross-sectorial dependencies, trade-offs, and potential impacts of climate variability. This study develops a methodology based on the established Climate, Land, Energy and Water strategies (CLEWs) framework (Howells et al. 2013) to assess the vulnerability of the electricity sector to climate change by also considering minimum environmental flows in major Ugandan rivers. This assessment utilizes the cost of electricity generation as an indicative metric to compare conditions of different hydropower output, in light of changing climates and hypothetical environmental flow constraints. It concludes that irrespective of the climate, if key environmental services have to be maintained, there will be a reduction in hydropower generation in the country, and proper adaptation measures need to be taken to avoid disruptions in the power supply.

Hydropower contributed to about 86% of Uganda’s total electricity generation in 2016 (UBOS, 2016). With more than 2000 MW of investments in the pipeline, within the next decade (Platts 2016), this technology is expected to play a critical role in Uganda’s transition to a higher consumption level in the multi-tier framework for measuring energy access (MEMD 2015). Competition for water sources is a common challenge among its users. In this case, hydropower infrastructure is not an exception, and water allocation is frequently prioritized to supply domestic and agriculture sectors.With Uganda’s population expected to double by 2050 compared to 2015 levels (UNDESA 2017), the competition for water among the different sectors is only expected to increase. In addition to this, climatic variables, like precipitation and temperature, introduce a high variability in the availability of surface water (Maslin and Austin 2012). Hence, before locking down on major infrastructure decisions as is the case of large-scale hydropower plants (>100 MW), it is prudent to take into consideration the cross-sectorial dependencies, trade-offs, and potential impacts of climate variability. This study develops a methodology based on the established Climate, Land, Energy and Water strategies (CLEWs) framework (Howells et al. 2013) to assess the vulnerability of the electricity sector to climate change by also considering minimum environmental flows in major Ugandan rivers. This assessment utilizes the cost of electricity generation as an indicative metric to compare conditions of different hydropower output, in light of changing climates and hypothetical environmental flow constraints. It concludes that irrespective of the climate, if key environmental services have to be maintained, there will be a reduction in hydropower generation in the country, and proper adaptation measures need to be taken to avoid disruptions in power supply.

In the last decades, energy modelling has supported energy planning by offering insights into the dynamics between energy access, resource use, and sustainable development. Especially in recent years, there has been an attempt to strengthen the science-policy interface and increase the involvement of society in energy planning processes. This has, both in the EU and worldwide, led to the development of open-source and transparent energy modelling practices. This paper describes the role of an open-source energy modelling tool in the energy planning process and highlights its importance for society. Specifically, it describes the existence and characteristics of the relationship between developing an open-source, freely available tool and its application, dissemination and use for policy making. Using the example of the Open Source energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS), this work focuses on practices that were established within the community and that made the framework's development and application both relevant and scientifically grounded.

Low-carbon hydropower is a key energy source for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7-sustainable energy for all. Meanwhile, the effects of hydropower development and its operation are complex-and potentially a source of tension on Transboundary Rivers. This paper explores solutions that consider both energy and water to motivate transboundary cooperation in the operation of hydropower plants (HPPs) in the Drina River Basin (DRB) in South-East Europe. Here the level of cooperation among the riparian countries is low. The Open Source energy Modeling System-OSeMOSYS was used to develop a multi-country model with a simplified hydrological system to represent the cascade of HPPs in the DRB; together with other electricity options, including among others: energy efficiency. Results show that improved cooperation can increase electricity generation in the HPPs downstream without compromising generation upstream. It also demonstrates the role of inexpensive hydropower to enhance electricity trade in the region. Implementing energy efficiency measures would reduce the generation from coal power plants, thereby mitigating CO 2 emissions by as much as 21% in 2030 compared to the 2015 levels. In summary, judicious HPP operation and electricity system development will help the Western Balkans reap significant gains.

The EU remains widely dependent on external gas supplies, with imports representing 70% of its consumption in 2013. Member States have different import profiles with divergent levels of dependency on Russian imports. Several European Member States rely heavily on Russian supplies, which shows that the EU gas supply security needs to be examined both from an internal and international perspective. Since the 2009 crisis between Russia and Ukraine, the EU has adopted several legislative tools to strengthen EU gas security of supply. The third legislative package, the security of supply Regulation (EU) 994/2010 and the Energy Infrastructure package identifying Projects of Common Interest have significantly improved the ability of the EU to face import disruptions. However, several countries remain particularly vulnerable to the occurrence of disruption. When considering national production, storage, and the diversity of suppliers, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania seem to be at risk. Romania, Poland, and Hungary also import the bulk of their gas from Russia, but have either domestic production or significant storage capacity.

In September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Agenda 2030, which comprises a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by 169 targets. 'Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030' is the seventh goal (SDG7). While access to energy refers to more than electricity, the latter is the central focus of this work. According to the World Bank's 2015 Global Tracking Framework, roughly 15% of the world's population (or 1.1 billion people) lack access to electricity, and many more rely on poor quality electricity services. The majority of those without access (87%) reside in rural areas. This paper presents results of a geographic information systems approach coupled with open access data. We present least-cost electrification strategies on a country-by-country basis for Sub-Saharan Africa. The electrification options include grid extension, mini-grid and stand-alone systems for rural, peri-urban, and urban contexts across the economy. At low levels of electricity demand there is a strong penetration of standalone technologies. However, higher electricity demand levels move the favourable electrification option from stand-alone systems to mini grid and to grid extensions.

The electricity supply system of Cyprus is currently dominated by oil-fired generation, with small but increasing contributions from renewable energy technologies. As regulations regarding emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants will become stricter with the turn of the decade, change is imminent. Available offshore gas reserves and the possibility of natural gas imports have shown that the substitution of oil with gas can reasonably be expected in the not-so-distant future. However, the framework under which change could occur has not yet been established. Should imports of gas serve as a short-term bridge until domestic gas becomes available? What are the infrastructure implications associated with such a medium-term solution? How does a policy-driven transition to gas affect energy security and how compatible is this with a liberalized electricity market? Can short- and longer term strategies be consistently designed and implemented? A cost-optimization model (OSeMOSYS), representing the electricity system of the island, is used to provide insights to these questions. Results regarding generation mix, capacity and system costs are presented for a set of scenarios. In all cases investigated, compliance with environmental regulations of the European Union after 2020 makes gas the strategic fuel of choice for low cost electricity generation.