Energy system modelling is of high importance to investigate different scenarios in their technical, economical and environmental feasibility. The interplay of different technologies and energy flows in respective models can be represented as directed graphs in a generic but comprehensible formalism. However, additional effort is needed to create specific models and to derive an optimal sizing or operation of components. To tackle this problem, oemof.solph facilitates the formulation of (mixed-integer) linear programs from a generic object-oriented structure. Its structure allows to create models on different levels of detail by means of predefined components and an optional formulation of additional expressions and constraints. With its open and documented code base, extensive collection of examples and an active community it is useful across many levels, from simple applications to advanced modelling.

The global energy system is undergoing a major transition, and in energy planning and decision-making across governments, industry and academia, models play a crucial role. Because of their policy relevance and contested nature, the transparency and open availability of energy models and data are of particular importance. Here we provide a practical how-to guide based on the collective experience of members of the Open Energy Modelling Initiative (Openmod). We discuss key steps to consider when opening code and data, including determining intellectual property ownership, choosing a licence and appropriate modelling languages, distributing code and data, and providing support and building communities. After illustrating these decisions with examples and lessons learned from the community, we conclude that even though individual researchers’ choices are important, institutional changes are still also necessary for more openness and transparency in energy research.