On 21 May 2026, the Mopo project workshop “Open-source Modelling Tools for Energy Planning” took place at Riga Technical University in Ķīpsala, Riga. Bringing together TSOs, DSOs, public authorities, consultants, and researchers, the workshop explored how open-source tools can support more transparent, adaptable and repeatable planning processes. The programme introduced Spine Tools, including Spine Toolbox and SpineOpt, together with the Interoperable Energy System Data Specification (INES), and presented complementary Mopo tools and case studies, including the Pan-European Framework for Energy System Planning; CorRES — Correlations in Renewable Energy Sources — the Network Reduction Model for improving efficiency in power system analysis; and a hydrogen case study for Ireland.

The session included presentations detailing the practical grid planning challenges faced by system operators. Aleksandrs Gavrilovs from AS "Sadales tīkls" provided the Latvian DSO perspective on managing the significant volume of PV and BESS connections entering the grid. To efficiently handle this integration and accurately determine available network capacity, the DSO is increasingly using smart meters for active network planning. For instance, 5-minute historical data profiles are now used to analyse base loads specifically at primary substations, while phase voltage measurements are analysed to monitor secondary substations.

Representing the Latvian TSO perspective, Antons Kutjuns from AST outlined their current modelling environment, which relies heavily on PSS/E for network analysis and PLEXOS for market adequacy assessments. He highlighted several operational barriers, notably the difficulty of working with IP-protected "black box" models for new infrastructure and the complexities involved in transitioning from 60-minute to 15-minute market time units.

These technical discussions were followed by the hands-on session on the Baltic Case Study.

"Hands-on workshops make open-source energy planning tools tangible for practitioners and future users.” says Anna Matule (RTU). “Bringing together TSOs, DSOs, researchers, and students help build skills, exchange knowledge, and collect feedback for transparent planning."

Participants had the opportunity to explore how open-source workflow management and energy system planning tools can be applied in practice.


In partnership with Riga Technical University (RTU)