Towards a multi-model infrastructure for integrated decision-making in energy transition

Abstract

Computational simulation models serve as powerful instruments for analysing complex systems, but individually they are often limited in representing systems of an interdisciplinary nature. This paper presents a multi-modelling project that takes the first steps towards an open generic solution of multi-model infrastructure (MMI). It aims to loosely couple individual independent (often already existing) models, facilitate model reuse and meaningful model interoperation in order to support integral decision-making in the Dutch energy transition.
The MMI is a minimal viable product collaboratively designed and developed by a diverse group of modellers and energy experts. It includes facilitating services such as software and methods that enable multi-modelling but not the individual independent models themselves. We share the vision, approach and initial outcomes of the project, in particular, give an overview of the multi-model platform architecture design and the three use cases (and multi-models) of marco, meso and micro scales developed to demonstrate the potential of MMI. We also discuss the lessons learnt and future work, with the intension to invite more research, debate and collaboration on topics of multi-modelling, in particular simulation model reuse and interoperation, and to form an even stronger and broader interdisciplinary community of multi-modellers.