Energy Systems Integration and Modelling (ESIM)

General expertise of the research group

Research focus and expertise is on quantitative tools, supporting an efficient operation of, and transition towards, a low-carbon energy system (mathematical modelling of energy systems). A major strength of the group is its interdisciplinary focus (techno-economic models considering multiple energy vectors, link to energy markets and policies). Modelling focus is on unit commitment models, generation expansion planning models, equilibrium models and agent-based models. Applications relate to flexibility through energy systems integration, market design, renewables support mechanisms and emission trading.

Specific hydrogen- related expertise & research topics

• Integrated energy systems modelling
  • Including natural gas networks
  • Long term (seasonal) storage modelling
  • Interactions between electricity, heat, gas H2 and CO2
• Policy impact assessment
  • Interaction with, e.g., emission trading systems (EU ETS)

Available equipment/tools

• Optimization models for the operation of energy systems (e.g., using Mixed Integer Linear Programming – MILP)
• Optimization models for energy planning and scenario analyses
• Equilibrium models describing the interactions of various (market) actors in the liberalized electric power sector (e.g., consumers, generators, system operators)
• Agent-based models to describe the electricity system as a complex adaptive system. This modelling approach captures the complex interactions among the physical infrastructure, the actors’ behaviour, and the institutions that govern those behaviours in an energy system
• All of the above can be combined with various policy instruments

International collaborations

• Hydrogen workgroup in EERA Joint Program on Energy Systems Integration

Participating in FL/B/EU funded projects with H2 related research

• 2020-2025 PROCURA – Power to X and Carbon Capture & Utilization Roadmap for Belgium – Energy Transition Fund Belgium
• 2024-2028 AMIGDALA – Alliance for Modelling Industries towards the Green Deal’s objectives And circuLArity – Horizon Europe

Main relevant publications

1. Namazifard, N., Tahavori, M.A., Nijs, W., Vingerhoets, P., Delarue, E. (2025). Relaxing EU hydrogen criteria: a cost and emission comparison of unrestricted and green electrolytic hydrogen in 2030. Environmental Research: Energy, 2, Art.No. 035014. doi: 10.1088/2753-3751/ae07e3
2. Hoogsteyn, A., Bruninx, K., Delarue, E. (2025). Carbon contracts for difference design: Managing carbon price risk in a low-carbon industry. JOULE, 9 (5), Art.No. ARTN 101921. doi: 10.1016/j.joule.2025.101921
3. Verbist, F., Meus, J., Moncada Escudero, J.A., Valkering, P., Delarue, E. (2025). Carbon removals meet Emission Trading System design: A precautionary path towards integration. Energy Economics, 145, Art.No. 108389. doi: 10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108389
4. Hoogsteyn, A., Meus, J., Bruninx, K., Delarue, E. (2025). Interactions and distortions of different support policies for green hydrogen. ENERGY ECONOMICS, 141, Art.No. ARTN 108042. doi: 10.1016/j.eneco.2024.108042
5. Verbist, F., Meus, J., Moncada, J.A., Valkering, P., Delarue, E. (2024). Implications of the EU ETS on the level-playing field between carbon capture storage & utilisation. International Journal Of Greenhouse Gas Control, 136. doi: 10.1016/j.ijggc.2024.104165
6. Namazifard, N., Vingerhoets, P., Delarue, E. (2024). Long-term cost optimization of a national low-carbon hydrogen infrastructure for industrial decarbonization. International Journal Of Hydrogen Energy, 64, 583-598. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.02.324