EnergyPLAN & EPLANopt Research Project for Saudi Electricity System

About the project

I am preparing a research study on renewable energy integration in the Saudi electricity system towards net-zero emissions by 2060. The research proposal is built upon the EnergyPLAN simulation platform and the EPLANopt optimization framework. The objective of the study is to identify cost-effective, environmentally sustainable electricity pathways through comprehensive energy system modeling, focusing primarily on: - Solar PV - Wind Power - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) - Flexible Gas Generation **Scope of Work** Phase 1: **EnergyPLAN Model Development** - Build and validate a Saudi electricity system model using historical data. - Configure input parameters for capacities, demand, renewables, and storage technologies. Phase 2: **Scenario Development** - Develop scenarios for: - S0: Historical Baseline - S1: Policy-Oriented Reference Scenario - S2: High Solar Scenario - S3: Solar-Wind-Storage Scenario - S4: Net-Zero 2060 Scenario - Perform simulations with emphasis on CO₂ reductions and renewable integration. Phase 3: **Optimization (EPLANopt Framework)** - Apply multi-objective optimization techniques (e.g., NSGA-II/DEAP). - Generate Pareto-optimal solutions considering cost-efficiency, emissions reductions, and maximum renewable penetration. Phase 4: **Data Processing & Visualization** - Utilize Python for automating scenarios, extracting results, conducting statistical analyses, and producing publication-quality visuals. Phase 5: **Final Deliverables** The freelancer will provide: 1. Fully functional EnergyPLAN model files. 2. Documented Python scripts used in scenario simulation and optimization. 3. Analysis results and high-quality visualizations suitable for academic publications. 4. A professional final technical report highlighting methodologies, assumptions, results, and interpretations. **Preferred Expertise:** - Proven experience with EnergyPLAN and EPLANopt frameworks. - Advanced skills in energy system modeling and renewable energy studies. - Strong knowledge of Python-based data analysis tools. - Experience in GCC or similar power systems is a plus.

Skills required