Development of a new modelling concept for providing initial consultation at a federal state level

In the context of variable power supply as well as structural changes in energy demand, decision-makers in German federal states are becoming an increasingly important target group for model-based consultation. However, given their typically high computational complexity and data needs, established modelling tools tend to be inappropriate for providing prompt quantitative assessments, so-called initial consultation. Against this background, the present study develops, applies and evaluates a new modelling tool, based on a complexity-reduced design. By performing a comparative assessment with an existing model-based scenario analysis for a selected federal state, the new modelling tool is shown to yield robust outputs. Methodical issues include the consideration of capital stock dynamics, as well as the definition of system boundaries. Nonetheless, the modelling tool provides useful insights for initial consultation at a federal state level.