Energy Systems Integration and Modelling (ESIM)

General expertise of the research group

Research focus and expertise is on quantitative tools, supporting an efficient operation of, and transition towards, a low-carbon energy system (mathematical modelling of energy systems). A major strength of the group is its interdisciplinary focus (techno-economic models considering multiple energy vectors, link to energy markets and policies). Modelling focus is on unit commitment models, generation expansion planning models, equilibrium models and agent-based models. Applications relate to flexibility through energy systems integration, market design, renewables support mechanisms and emission trading.

Specific hydrogen- related expertise & research topics

• Integrated energy systems modelling
  • Including natural gas networks
  • Long term (seasonal) storage modelling
  • Interactions between electricity, heat, gas H2 and CO2
• Policy impact assessment
  • Interaction with, e.g., emission trading systems (EU ETS)

Available equipment/tools

• Optimization models for the operation of energy systems (e.g., using Mixed Integer Linear Programming – MILP)
• Optimization models for energy planning and scenario analyses
• Equilibrium models describing the interactions of various (market) actors in the liberalized electric power sector (e.g., consumers, generators, system operators)
• Agent-based models to describe the electricity system as a complex adaptive system. This modelling approach captures the complex interactions among the physical infrastructure, the actors’ behaviour, and the institutions that govern those behaviours in an energy system
• All of the above can be combined with various policy instruments

International collaborations

• Hydrogen workgroup in EERA Joint Program on Energy Systems Integration

Participating in FL/B/EU funded projects with H2 related research

• 2020-2025 PROCURA – Power to X and Carbon Capture & Utilization Roadmap for Belgium – Energy Transition Fund Belgium

Main relevant publications

1. Verbist, F., Meus, J., Moncada, J.A., Valkering, P., Delarue, E. (2024). Implications of the EU ETS on the level-playing field between carbon capture storage & utilisation. International Journal Of Greenhouse Gas Control, 136. doi:10.1016/j.ijggc.2024.104165
2. Namazifard, N., Vingerhoets, P., Delarue, E. (2024). Long-term cost optimization of a national low-carbon hydrogen infrastructure for industrial decarbonization. International Journal Of Hydrogen Energy, 64, 583-598. doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.02.324
3. Gonzato, S., Bruninx, K., Delarue, E. (2021). Long term storage in generation expansion planning models with a reduced temporal scope. Applied Energy, 298, Art.No. 117168, 1-15. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117168
4. Mertens, T., Bruninx, K., Duerinck, J., Delarue, E. (2021). Capacity credit of storage in long-term planning models and capacity markets. Electric Power Systems Research, 194, Art.No. 107070.
5. Belderbos, A., Bruninx, K., Delarue, E., D’haeseleer, W. (2020). Facilitating renewables and power-to- gas via integrated electrical power-gas system scheduling. Applied Energy, 275, Art.No. 115082