Engineer IDEA

leap

LEAP (Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning)

Key Features

  1. Integrated Energy Planning:
    • Models the entire energy system, from resource extraction to end-use consumption.
    • Includes energy demand, transformation, and supply processes.
  2. Scenario-Based Approach:
    • Supports the development of multiple scenarios to analyze the impacts of different policies and measures (e.g., business-as-usual vs. low-carbon pathways).
  3. Environmental Assessment:
    • Quantifies emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other pollutants.
    • Links with tools like the Integrated Benefits Calculator (IBC) to assess air pollution and public health impacts.
  4. Economic Analysis:
    • Evaluates the costs and benefits of energy policies and technologies.
    • Supports cost-effectiveness analysis, marginal abatement cost curves, and financial feasibility studies.
  5. User-Friendly Interface:
    • No advanced programming skills required.
    • Allows for a flexible and modular approach to system design and analysis.
  6. Integration with Other Tools:
    • Can be linked to external models (e.g., optimization models or climate impact tools) for more detailed analysis.
    • Compatible with databases like IPCC emissions factors.

Applications

  • Energy Policy Analysis: Helps governments design and evaluate energy policies aligned with national and international goals.
  • Climate Change Mitigation:
    • Assesses potential pathways to meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
    • Estimates the impact of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other measures.
  • Sustainable Development Planning:
    • Evaluates energy access and its impacts on economic and social development.
    • Considers co-benefits of energy policies, such as job creation or health improvements.
  • Capacity Building and Education:
    • Used by academic institutions and NGOs for training and research purposes.

Technical Framework

  • Demand Modeling: Incorporates sectoral energy consumption (e.g., residential, industrial, transportation) with options for detailed subsector analysis.
  • Supply Modeling: Models power generation, fuel production, imports/exports, and resource availability.
  • Time Horizon: Flexible timeframes, from a few years to several decades.
  • Data Inputs:
    • Requires detailed input data on energy flows, costs, technologies, and policy parameters.
    • Allows for uncertainty analysis and sensitivity testing.

Advantages

  • Highly customizable for local, regional, and national contexts.
  • Applicable to both developed and developing countries.
  • Free for governments, NGOs, and academic institutions in developing countries.

Developer and Support

LEAP is developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and has a global user community. SEI provides extensive training materials, documentation, and technical support to users.

Example Use Cases

Assessing the impacts of carbon pricing and renewable energy subsidies.

National energy planning in developing countries to expand renewable energy and improve energy access.

Modeling the transition to net-zero energy systems for large economies.

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