Energy System Modeling Tools: Review and Comparison in the Context of Developing Countries

Given the fact that there are a wide variety of models that are available for analysing energy systems, it is important to develop a comparative overview of the models in terms of several criteria, particularly their applicability to developing countries where unique features such as traditional energy consumption, informal economy, urban-rural divide, low electrification, poor performance of the power sector, supply shortage, data and skill needs, etc. should be considered. This paper presents a review and comparison of the most commonly used modeling tools for analysing energy and electricity system. It reviews the available literature and follows a systematic approach of classifying the alternative models that can serve as a guidance to select the most appropriate analytical tool, mainly when dealing with energy modeling and analysis for developing countries.