Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Open Energy Outlook?
The Open Energy Outlook (OEO) Initiative examines the technologies and policies influencing U.S. energy futures, forecasting the energy technologies, sources, costs, and respective emissions associated with meeting energy demands.
Why do we need energy systems models?
Energy systems are complex, involving millions of interconnected technologies influenced by markets, policy, and consumer and firm behavior. Energy systems models excel at capturing complexity under different policy designs and emission constraints. Results provide robust insight into the costs, risks, and tradeoffs of alternative energy futures.
How does OEO conduct analyses?
OEO maintains a database describing 3,000 end uses and 80,000 processes shaping the U.S. energy system. The team forecasts the least-cost set of energy sources and technologies that meet future demands, emission goals, and other potential criteria of interest. Least-cost forecasts are invaluable when planning changes to the energy system because they capture the most cost effective way to meet our goals.
What makes OEO different?
Both software and input data are both fully “open” independently rated to be among the best. OEO models end-use technologies dynamically, meaning it can identify beneficial fuel switching for energy demands (e.g., electrification). OEO also models the entire energy system, including energy source extraction, fuel transportation and storage, electrification, and energy consumption in buildings, transportation, and industry. OEO can also model uncertainty and variability, making it a more robust decision support resource. Importantly, OEO is more than just a model. OEO is an initiative committed to transparency, replicability, and building a user community.
What kinds of scenarios are evaluated by Temoa/OEO?
Recent or ongoing OEO studies include forecasts of net zero emissions, estimating the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act, exploring alternatives for incentivizing hydrogen, and simulating a carbon price. We are also applying novel techniques to identify near least-cost strategies to introduce flexibility into decarbonization decisions.
Could you benefit from OEO?
Climate change and decarbonization introduce deep and new uncertainties into the decisions made by diverse stakeholders. The OEO framework offers lots of possibilities for related analysis. Results benefit diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, large energy users, energy providers, utilities, and clean energy and end-use technology manufacturers. We are actively seeking members to join our corporate consortium. Contact OEO at mfb@andrew.cmu.edu if you are interested.