Helmholtz Open Models and Data in Energy Systems Analysis

Abstract

The transition to a sustainable and resilient energy system is a cornerstone of contemporary climate‑ and environmental policy, yet the growing electrification of transport, heating, and industry simultaneously raises electricity demand and amplifies sectoral interdependencies, thereby increasing system complexity. Addressing this complexity requires energy‑systems modelling tools that are both comprehensive and computationally tractable. This report gives concrete applications of the three current, interlinked advances that are reshaping the modelling landscape: (i) the need for high‑quality, FAIR‑compliant data to overcome fragmentation, proprietary restrictions, and inconsistencies; (ii) the shift toward collaborative, open‑source modelling practices that enable multidisciplinary teams to share code, lower entry barriers, and ensure reproducibility; and (iii) the harmonisation of model outputs through the Open Energy Ontology (OEO), which provides explicit variable definitions and facilitates cross‑model comparison. The Helmholtz Association curates and sustains open‑data sets and open‑source models that adhere to FAIR principles and serve as benchmarks for the broader community. The present document provides a structured overview of these resources generated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), i.e. open‑source modelling frameworks, energy‑system models (including economic extensions), and auxiliary tools as well as the associated open databases. Each entry is summarised in a standardized scheme facilitating rapid discovery via the Helmholtz Research Software Directory (HRSD). By consolidating data stewardship, collaborative development, and ontological standardisation, the Helmholtz‑backed resources empower researchers, industry, and policymakers to base decisions on robust, comparable, and transparent energy‑systems analyses.