Every model begins with a snapshot of the current energy system, including all existing generation (power plants), storage (e.g. batteries), and transmission (major power lines) assets. For each asset, the following information is required:
  • Capacity (MW): The capacity of operating assets in the model’s start year, referred to as ‘Residual Capacity’ in the TZ-OSeMOSYS framework. Assets that are under construction or committed are included in the future system.
  • Location: Latitude and longitude coordinates.
  • Year of construction: The commissioning year of the asset.
  • Operational life: The expected number of years the asset remains in service.
Data sourcing standards for existing assets is detailed below.

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Data sourcing standards – existing assets

Input variableModel typeGold Standard (‘Best in Class’)Silver Standard (‘Good’)Bronze Standard (‘Publishable’)
Power plant data - current (location, capacity, fuel, technology, start year, operational life)CE & UDAsset-by-asset validation and gap-filling by TransitionZero’s country analysts.Asset-by-asset validation.Global datasets.
Interconnector data - current (location, capacity, technology, start year, operational life)CE & UDAsset-by-asset validation and gap-filling by TransitionZero’s country analysts.Global Transmission database with subnational or grid zone gap-filling.Country-level copper plate from Global Transmission database, national or subnational level (grid-zone).