The OASES project is developing an open ecosystem for energy system modelling between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU). The project consists of satellite detection of renewable installations, climate-based estimation of renewable potential, and the integration of this open data into energy system modelling.  

The project aims to promote sustainable energy solutions and solve energy challenges in Africa by facilitating long-term exchange of expertise in energy, modelling, and data processing. This newsletter article describes the project progress, particularly in advancing the accessibility of energy system modelling.

Enhancements in IRENA FlexTool usability and features

The project has been enhancing the fully open FlexTool modelling software, developed in collaboration with IRENA. This tool is designed to be user-friendly for researchers who are local energy experts, but not necessarily in energy modelling. During the first two years of the project, we have improved the software’s usability, provided training for project partners, and demonstrated the tool through six case studies across different spatial scales in Africa. Feedback from these case studies has helped us streamline installation, introduction, and version handling processes, add relevant features (like multiperiod investments, stochastics, and loss-of-load handling), fix usability and functionality issues, improve speed and develop comprehensive training materials.

Six case studies showcase modelling capabilities and help develop African energy systems

Within the project, energy system modelling is demonstrated through six case studies, each with its own objectives and research questions, built in collaboration with energy modellers from Finland and local energy experts in Algeria, South Africa, and Egypt. All objectives are related to the integration of more wind and solar energy, but they highlight the different challenges and ambitions in different regions. For example, in the South African study, the objective is on the long-term reduction in load shedding, while in the Algerian case, we aim to evaluate the financial opportunities in wide-scale export of PV-generated electricity to Europe. So far, the first two local case studies have been finalized, the two national case studies are ongoing close to the finish line, and the regional and continental case studies have just kicked off. All case study results will be published in a LEAP-RE report before the end of the OASES project in June 2025.

• Local case studies in Egypt and Algeria: In Egypt, we integrated electricity and irrigation modelling in a feasibility study of a domestic solar water pump concept. In Algeria, we explored the feasibility of solar and wind energy investments in the southern PIAT network in desert conditions.
• National case studies in South Africa and Egypt: The South African study focuses on reducing load shedding with wider use of renewable energy resources. In Egypt, the goal is to determine the maximum PV capacity in southern Egypt within the limitations of the existing power grid.
• Regional case study in North Africa: The regional study examines the potential for exporting Algerian PV- and wind-generated electricity to Europe, optimizing generation and transmission capacity.
• Continental case study of Africa: The continental study analyses regional differences across Africa and tests FlexTool’s capability in modelling extensive systems.

Aiming for impacts beyond the project lifetime

The project’s final goal is to build a long-term ecosystem for energy system modelling and open data. In practical terms, this means long-term collaboration between partners, and for the African partners to benefit from using IRENA FlexTool for their own future research. We also aim to widen the user base of IRENA FlexTool in Africa by training and expanding the network of universities and research organizations. The progress is looking good: While the project is still ongoing, there are already follow-up case studies starting such as a study of another network in Algeria, small-scale solar and battery installation sizing study in South Africa, and a continuation of the South African case study in a doctoral thesis.

Want to try out IRENA FlexTool?

To easily start with energy system modelling of your own system, you can try FlexTool yourself by installing it on your computer, completely free of charge. For installation instructions and to start using IRENA FlexTool 3 with Spine Toolbox as the user interface, visit: IRENA FlexTool Installation. The documentation includes a simple tutorial to start with, a wide range of examples and slide sets for remote learning.