Modelling Tool

LENS – Long-term Energy Scenario Model

Structure of the LENS model framework. The tool is essentially a technology-based bottom-up accounting framework that can be used to quantify future energy balances in a freely definable scenario model structure and assess them in terms of various indicators.
Credit:

DLR; flaticon.com

LENS is a software tool developed at the Institute of Networked Energy Systems that can be used to quantitatively built-up and analyse complete energy scenarios. The spectrum ranges from different demand drivers and sectoral useful and final energy consumption through to primary energies, installed capacities and emissions on the supply side.

LENS has interfaces for linking to other models (e.g. REMix and AMIRIS), allowing the results of more complex system and market modelling to be integrated in future. During software development, interfaces for further scenario assessment (e.g. using FRITS - Framework for sustainability assessment of energy scenarios), particularly with regard to life cycle-based environmental effects and (critical) resource requirements, were also taken into account.

LENS is used at the German Aerospace Centre for national and international bottom-up scenario analyses as well as for detailed analyses of the industrial sector. Following an initial internal development phase funded by the Helmholtz Energy System Design (ESD) programme, a first coupled stakeholder-based workflow will be developed in 2024 with funding from the German government's 8th Energy Research Programme.

In this project, LENS is being further developed into a tool for knowledge integration. This provides complexity-reduced knowledge from various detailed modelling and analyses in a central, consistent knowledge base for scenario co-creation. It is also being investigated how political-regulatory boundary conditions can be integrated directly into such a scenario model and how their effectiveness can be made visible to stakeholders.

Departments, research groups and challenges related to LENS:

Department

Energy System Analysis

The Energy Systems Analysis department generates system-analytical knowledge, which we provide across sectors up to the global level and based in part on methods and modelling tools developed in-house.

Research Group

Energy Scenarios and Technology Assessment

The Energy Scenarios and Technology Assessment research group assesses alternative options and pathways for the transformation towards a sustainable energy economy. The aim is a holistic assessment across the entire life cycle of the technologies.

Challenge

Strategies for sustainable energy systems

Energy transition is a dynamic process that must be continuously adapted to new influences such as technical innovations or socially negotiated framework conditions.

Contact

Energy Scenarios and Technology Assessment

Research Group
Institute of Networked Energy Systems