EnergyPLAN & EPLANopt Research Project for Saudi Electricity System

I am preparing a research study on renewable energy integration in the Saudi electricity system towards net-zero emissions by 2060. The research proposal is based on the EnergyPLAN simulation platform and the EPLANopt optimization framework.

The study will evaluate future electricity system pathways for Saudi Arabia in 2030, 2040, 2050, and 2060, focusing on:

Solar PV
Wind Power
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Flexible Gas Generation

The objective is to identify cost-effective and environmentally sustainable pathways toward net-zero electricity-sector emissions by 2060.

Scope of Work

The freelancer is expected to:

Phase 1: EnergyPLAN Model Development
Build a Saudi electricity system model in EnergyPLAN.
Develop a validated baseline model using historical electricity data.
Configure input parameters for generation capacities, load demand, renewable resources, and storage technologies.
Phase 2: Scenario Development

Create and simulate the following scenarios:

S0: Historical Baseline
S1: Policy-Oriented Reference Scenario
S2: High Solar Scenario
S3: Solar-Wind-Storage Scenario
S4: Net-Zero 2060 Scenario
Phase 3: Optimization
Implement EPLANopt methodology.
Perform multi-objective optimization.
Generate Pareto-optimal solutions considering:
Minimum system cost
Minimum CO₂ emissions
Maximum renewable energy penetration
Phase 4: Data Processing & Visualization
Use Python for:
Data processing
Scenario automation
Result extraction
Statistical analysis
Publication-quality figures and charts
Phase 5: Research Outputs

Provide:

EnergyPLAN model files
Python scripts with documentation
Optimization results
Pareto front visualizations
Technical report describing methodology and assumptions
Required Skills

The freelancer should have proven experience in:

EnergyPLAN
EPLANopt
Python
Energy system modelling
Renewable energy integration studies
Multi-objective optimization (NSGA-II / DEAP preferred)
Power systems and energy transition research
Deliverables
Fully functional EnergyPLAN model
Optimization framework implementation
Source code and documentation
Graphs and figures suitable for academic publications
Final technical report
Preferred Experience

Previous work related to:

National energy system modelling
Renewable energy planning
Net-zero transition studies
Saudi Arabia, GCC countries, or similar power systems