Navigating the system: Reflections on the use of energy system models

In this lecture, Steve will critically reflect on the last 15 years of developing and applying energy systems models, for different questions and in different contexts. Drawing from his research, he will outline some of key insights from modelling energy system decarbonisation but also some of the challenges arising from the application of such approaches. In conclusion, he will consider the future direction for energy systems modelling and what this means for his own research.

About the speaker

Steve Pye is Professor of Energy Systems and Deputy Director of UCL Energy Institute. With over 18 years’ research experience on energy and climate modelling and policy analysis, his research focuses on the challenge of energy system decarbonisation, using different whole system energy modelling approaches. Starting his research career in private sector consulting, Steve then entered academia, joining the UCL Energy Institute in 2013. What was meant to be a short-term foray into university research turned out to be more permanent.

Steve’s research track record is reflected in over 70 peer review journal articles, including in Nature and Science, and numerous technical reports and papers. Most apply scenario modelling methods to assess system transitions under climate targets, and the implications of uncertainty and on equity. His interest in uncertainty developed during his PhD studies at University College Cork, awarded in 2019, titled Innovative approaches to developing deep decarbonisation strategies. In recent years, he has also developed an increasing research focus on the implications of low carbon transitions for fossil fuel producers.

Steve has led multiple research projects for a range of funders. He is currently co-I on two UKRI energy research programmes, EDRC and UKERC, and on the large FCDO-funded programme, Climate Compatible Growth (CCG), leading the Energy Systems research. He is also active in the Integrated Assessment Modelling Community and is a co-I on the Horizon Europe programme DIAMOND. Over the years, Steve has been or is involved in a range of major international initiatives, including the Deep Decarbonisation Pathways Initiative, Lancet Countdown, and the UNEP Production Gap report.

About UCL Energy Institute

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