tool for energy modelers
IDEA: Navigating Energy Futures Through Open Visualization
IDEA is a powerful open-source visualization dashboard and explorer, tailored for energy modeling inputs and outputs. The tool is designed to enable modelers and analysts to unravel the intricacies of energy transition modeling, facilitating informed decision-making.
IDEA has been designed to be used in interactive workshops where modeling results are discussed with policy experts. Therefore, IDEA’s interface provides flexibility, enabling users to add or remove cards, create side-by-side comparisons, and adjust layouts according to their specific needs. The interactive nature of the visualizations allows users to plot the variables, years and provinces of interest without coding or conducting additional analysis.
Users can edit plots within the platform, access plot data in CSV format, and save plots as images for use in presentations or reports.
IDEA can be easily hosted on SESIT’s computing resources or on other cloud resources such as Amazon Web Services.
In addition to being easily hosted remotely, IDEA can be run as an application locally, and so can be simply added to a modeler’s workflow for investigating fresh model results.
IDEA stands as a multi-faceted platform that serves both modelers and analysts effectively. During the development phase, modelers can use IDEA to meticulously review both inputs and outputs, ensuring that the model precisely aligns with their set objectives. Following the generation of results, IDEA empowers users to thoroughly examine their data, investigate research queries, and extract practical insights. The interactive nature of the visualizations allows users to manipulate years, regions, and scenarios, fostering a dynamic and user-centric experience.
This tool is designed for use either as a standalone tool, accessible directly from its GitLab repository, or can be easily launched as part of a modelers workflow. One of IDEA’s key features is its ability to automatically activate post-model execution, thereby facilitating a smooth and uninterrupted modeling workflow.
IDEA is designed to cater to the diverse needs of researchers by offering two primary modes of operation. Researchers have the option to create custom profiles for their models programmatically, tailoring the tool to fit their specific requirements. Alternatively, IDEA supports the use of data in the IAMC format. This compatibility enables IDEA to generate a simple, yet effective, generic dashboard, an aspect currently under continuous development.
The adoption of the IAMC format as the default setting aligns with the best practices of integrated assessment models internationally. This approach ensures that IDEA remains a relevant and effective tool in the global research community, adhering to widely recognized standards and practices.
IDEA currently supports custom dashboards and plots for various model outputs, including COPPER (Emissions, Capacity, New Capacity, Net New Capacity, Supply, Transmission Flow, Capacity, Dispatch) and SILVER (OPF Costs, OPF Results, Price OPF, UC Results). Over time, the platform will be continually expanded to accommodate a wider array of models and outputs.
IDEA allows users to not only view but also interactively edit plots directly within the platform. This includes accessing plot data in CSV format for detailed analysis and saving plots as images, perfect for incorporating into presentations or reports.
As an open-source initiative, IDEA is designed to foster a spirit of collaboration and innovation within the modeling community. Its presence on GitLab enhances its transparency and ease of access, contributing to the continuous evolution of its features.
Access IDEA’s GitLab repository and documentation here. For more information, or if you have any questions about using IDEA, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. Our team is ready to assist you and provide any additional details you may need to make the most of this open-source tool.
Discover the full potential of IDEA today and enhance your energy modelling capabilities!