Energy systems modeling: Trends in research publication

This study analyzes 34 tools through 442 publications on energy systems modeling, aiming to identify the most relevant trends in research and the research gaps in energy planning. For detecting these gaps, the publications analyzed were categorized based on pre‐defined criteria regarding geographical coverage, sectoral coverage, time horizon, analytical approach and energy source. The categories were designed to be a broad classification with the appropriate level of information required to differentiate between models. The results show that there is a lack of studies concerned with better understanding the energy systems in Africa and South America. Environmentally‐oriented publications account for 50.4% of all the publications studied. Modelers have thus shown a greater interest in studying issues related to climate change mitigation than in other areas of the energy chain. This article is categorized under: Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy Energy Policy and Planning > Systems and Infrastructure Concentrating Solar Power > Economics and Policy