Capacity Building in Power System Modelling: GDU Launches ModElSys Project with Moldovan Researchers

Capacity Building in Power System Modelling: GDU Launches ModElSys Project with Moldovan Researchers

From March 24 to April 3, the GDU team hosted a modelling workshop in Berlin, welcoming researchers from the Technical University of Moldova (Universitatea Tehnică a Moldovei).

This workshop marked the launch of the Modelling of the Moldovan Electricity System (ModElSys) project— a two-year bilateral mobility initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The project is expected to strengthen the Republic of Moldova`s innovation potential and innovation governance, as well as the country`s participation in the European Research Area. ModElSys aims to foster bilateral collaboration between Germany and Moldova, and specifically to develop capacities on energy system modelling.

ModElSys comes at a pivotal moment for Moldova. The country faces the challenge of restructuring and modernising its electricity supply, following the synchronisation of its power grid with the European network in March 2022. Moldova is also a candidate for EU membership and needs to implement the EU energy and climate legislation. This project supports Moldova to address these challenges.

The two-week training workshop included:

  • Introduction on open-source approaches to power system modelling, with a particular emphasis on PyPSA (Python for Power System Analysis).
  • PyPSA training.
  • Exchanging knowledge on the current state of the energy systems in Ukraine and Moldova.

Together, we explored modelling use-cases for Moldova’s power system and discussed potential pathways for future system planning. The Moldovan delegation provided insights into electricity consumption patterns and current levels of import dependence, laying a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the Moldovan delegation recognised PyPSA’s potential as a tool for cross-border flows and market modelling, implementing the NECP and long-term planning.

Over the next 21 months, the project team will develop a PyPSA model for the Moldovan electricity system, integrating NECP data and exploring scenarios aligned with 2030 and 2050 net-zero targets. The Moldovan partners aim to make PyPSA and their  modelling team the reference for the whole country.

By the end of the project, our partners will be equipped to model use-cases in their country using PyPSA tools independently.

This project is conducted in partnership with the Technische Universität Berlin, represented by Iegor Riepin, postdoctoral researcher specialising in energy systems.

Berlin partners will visit their Moldovan counterparts in Fall 2025, where they will also explore how to foster this project more long-term.