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The Climate, Land, Energy and Water systems (CLEWs) approach guides the development of integrated assessments. The approach includes an analytical component that can be performed using simple accounting methods, soft-linking tools, incorporating cross-systems considerations in sectoral models, or using one modelling tool to represent CLEW systems. This paper describes how a CLEWs quantitative analysis can be performed using one single modelling tool, the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS). Although OSeMOSYS was primarily developed for energy systems analysis, the tool's functionality and flexibility allow for its application to CLEWs. A step-by-step explanation of how climate, land, energy, and water systems can be represented with OSeMOSYS, complemented with the interpretation of sets, parameters, and variables in the OSeMOSYS code, is provided. A hypothetical case serves as the basis for developing a modelling exercise that exemplifies the building of a CLEWs model in OSeMOSYS. System-centred scenario analysis is performed with the integrated model example to illustrate its application. The analysis of results shows how integrated insights can be derived from the quantitative exercise in the form of conflicts, trade-offs, opportunities, and synergies. In addition to the modelling exercise, using the OSeMOSYS-CLEWs example in teaching, training and open science is explored to support knowledge transfer and advancement in the field. • Introductory nexus modelling example for initiating quantitative nexus analysis. • Explanatory guidance on using an open-source tool for nexus modelling is provided. • Scenarios explore the influence of sectoral and policy decisions on the nexus. • Four use cases of the modelling exercise are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonizing electricity generation through deployment of renewable technologies such as wind and solar is a key component of many climate change mitigation efforts. With increasing penetrations, the need to manage variability in renewable generation becomes critical. However, renewable variability is often poorly represented in energy planning studies which focus on energy and capacity adequacy. In this study, we used a hybrid capacity expansion and dispatch model with explicit inclusion of ramping and regulation services to examine balancing requirements in a decarbonizing electricity system. We find that ramping and regulation services needed for management of variable renewables alter the optimal mix of generation and transmission capacity relative to simpler planning models. In particular, we find enhanced value in expanding transmission capacity to access flexibility. • Representing short-term constraints in long-term energy models changes the outcome. • Flexibility is a key constraint in systems with high penetrations of renewables. • Interregional transmission can help provide system flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decades, energy modelling has supported energy planning by offering insights into the dynamics between energy access, resource use, and sustainable development. Especially in recent years, there has been an attempt to strengthen the science-policy interface and increase the involvement of society in energy planning processes. This has, both in the EU and worldwide, led to the development of open-source and transparent energy modelling practices. This paper describes the role of an open-source energy modelling tool in the energy planning process and highlights its importance for society. Specifically, it describes the existence and characteristics of the relationship between developing an open-source, freely available tool and its application, dissemination and use for policy making. Using the example of the Open Source energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS), this work focuses on practices that were established within the community and that made the framework's development and application both relevant and scientifically grounded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the Climate, Land, Energy, and Water system (CLEWs) interactions of biofuels production are addressed. We utilize an open-source modelling framework to assess direct and indirect impacts of biofuels on long-term electricity generation, land, and water use. We analyse a switchgrass biofuels pathway and find that while the land use implications are substantial, increasing by 646,190 km 2 in agricultural land area, the impacts on water systems, which increases by approximately 222 billion m 3 compared to the baseline, may be even more limiting for the Canadian context. While switchgrass biofuels can contribute low-carbon dispatchable electricity, the land and water use impacts suggest that any biofuels should be used for hard to decarbonize sectors prior to using them for electricity. • We develop a CLEWs model of Canada using OSeMOSYS and analyze switchgrass biofuels and decarbonization pathways. • A capacity expansion approach with energy, land, and water interactions has not previously been applied to Canada as a whole. • While switchgrass biofuels contribute low carbon dispatchable electricity, there are significant impacts on land and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jordan, like other fuel-importing countries, is highly susceptible to fuel shortages and price fluctuations due to global events. Political turmoil in the region has frequently disrupted Jordan's energy supply, including the recent cessation of natural gas imports from Egypt, which is examined in this study. To address these interruptions, Jordan signed a 15-year contract to import natural gas from the Leviathan gas field. Jordan has long term power purchase agreements with independent power producers. thus, creating a safe investment environment in the electricity production sector. In this research a long-term energy model was developed and implemented for Jordan with the Open-Source long-term energy modeling tool OSeMOSYS. The model is used to assess current policy and compare options moving forward. This study brings into focus the issues facing fuel importing countries prone to shortages. Contractual aspects were incorporated in the model and investigated. The need to diversify natural gas import contracts with relatively shorter durations was demonstrated. The impact of different fuel pricing projections was highlighted and needs to be considered when drawing up such contracts. It was also demonstrated that the current renewable energy outlook needs modification. potential of renewable energy needs added consideration from stakeholders and policy makers. • Diversifying the energy mix and primary fuel sources boosts security and efficiency. • Shorter fuel contracts allow better terms via informed, flexible decision-making. • Stable natural gas supply and long-term power deals spurred Jordan's energy security. • Unrestricted by gas import/PPA constraints, renewable energy potential surges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of forest residue may mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by displacing the use of coal or other fossil fuels for electricity generation. However, economic viability of bioenergy requires availability of feedstock at appropriate cost. The current work attempts to quantify delivered biomass cost at plant gate and estimate cost and emission benefits to the electricity system associated with the conversion of coal units to bioenergy. This study is carried out with the optimization model OSeMOSYS, analyzing the Alberta electrical system, its mid-term coal phase-out and renewable energy targets. Alternative scenarios were compared to evaluate the effect of a biomass retrofit option on the incentives needed to achieve 30% renewable penetration by 2030. Results show that although bioenergy has a higher levelized cost than wind power, the system requires less backup capacity and less renewable energy credits to meet renewable energy goals when the biomass retrofit is allowed. In addition, the total system cost to 2060 is found to be 5% less than the scenario without the biomass option. The firm capacity provided by biomass compensates for its higher levelized cost of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]