Photo 1. Group Photo of Capacity Building on Optimisation for Energy Modelling Participants and Trainer 

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), supported by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), held the Capacity Building on Optimisation for Energy Modelling on 27th February 2025 at Jakarta, Indonesia. The event was attended by energy modellers and policymakers in the energy sector from various ASEAN Member States (AMS) and aimedto enhance the region’s utilisation of optimisation-based energy modelling method for energy policymaking.  

Photo 2. Kentaro Noma, ERIA  (left) and Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi, ACE (right) delivering opening remark 

The event began with opening remarks from Kentaro Noma, Programme Manager on Energy, ERIA who welcomed participants with a reminder of the pivotal role of energy modelling in ASEAN’s dynamic energy landscape, especially in decision-making for energy transition policy. While he noted that energy modelling using simulation method has been helpful in capturing real-world dispatch conditions, the optimisation approach offers the advantage of integrating and responding to evolving cost trends in energy systems. The statement was then reaffirmed by Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Head of Energy Modelling and Policy Planning (MPP) Department at ACE, who highlighted the potential of optimisation-based method that can better assess different energy pathways while ensuring cost-effectiveness and feasibility, as already implemented in ACE’s flagship publication the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8). 

Photo 3. Michael Petalio, Energy Modeller (ACE) presenting Scene Setting: AEO8 Introduction and Findings 

The next session was aimed to provide context and base knowledge through Scene Setting: AEO8 Introduction and Findings. It was presented by Michael Petalio, Energy Modeller at MPP and the AEO8 (ACE). Michael’s presentation highlights the development process of the AEO8, focusing on the modelling methodology, scenario development, and key implications for ASEAN Member States (AMS). The AEO8 was developed using Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP), a software tool used to build energy models developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) to support energy policy analysis and climate mitigation assessment. To incorporate optimisation capabilities, the Next Modelling System for Optimisation (NEMO) was integrated, enabling the application of least cost optimisation in power sector for two of the four scenarios, namely the Regional Aspiration Scenario (RAS) and the Carbon Neutrality Scenario (CNS). The continuous advancement of optimisation approach in the workshop presents an opportunity to further enhance future editions of AEO, enabling more robust and insightful analysis for ASEAN’s energy planning. 

Photo 4. Jason Veysey of Stockholm Environment Insitute (SEI) US delivering training session and guiding participants 

Following the presentation, participants entered the training session to gain deeper understanding of the LEAP systems and the NEMO software. The training was divided into four session and led by Jason Veysey, Energy Modelling Program Director and Senior Scientist at Stockholm Environment Insitute (SEI) US. It was started with Energy Modelling and LEAP Introduction, presenting the basic knowledge to the participants to ensure equal starting point. Then, Jason continued it with a session on Modelling Energy Demand and Supply. 

After the participants were familiarised with the foundational concept, Jason moved on to Optimisation in Energy Modelling using LEAP. He highlighted the latest version of LEAP, launched in July 2024, which expands optimisation beyond a single sector within an energy system. LEAP 2024 now enables full energy systems optimisation, allowing users to optimise selected demand end uses, model pipeline and transmission networks, and optimise all components of Transformation. Additionally, the updated system allows for specifying overall constraints on greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other pollutant emissions, enabling the calculation of the least-cost energy system configuration that meets those constraints.  The participants were given presentation and invited to engage in a hands-on session, starting from technical aspects of software installation, followed by developing a least-cost scenario using optimisation, applying emission constraint and incorporating storage and capacity constraints to enhance energy system planning. 

Photo 5. Muhammad Rizki Kresnawan , Senior Energy Modeller of MPP Department at ACE delivering summary and key takeaways 

To wrap-up the event, Muhammad Rizki Kresnawan, Senior Energy Modeller at MPP (ACE) gave a speech to summarise the capacity building. In addition to expressing appreciation to the supporting organizations and active participants, he emphasized the crucial role of energy modelling in advancing ASEAN’s energy transition and resilience.  

ACE reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing energy modelling capacity for both energy modellers and policymakers across AMS. This capacity-building initiative was designed to promote data-driven and innovative policy formulation throughout the region. It also served as an encouragement for participants to apply energy modelling in their respective energy policy development, aligning with ASEAN’s vision of achieving energy security, affordability, and sustainability for all.