Grok It and Use It: Teaching Energy Systems Modeling

Abstract

This article details our experience developing and teaching an “Energy Systems Modeling” course, which sought to introduce graduate-level students to operations research, energy economics, and system modeling using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). In this paper, we focus on (i) the mathematical problems discussed in the course, (ii) the energy-related empirical interpretations of these mathematical problems, and (iii) the best teaching practices (i.e., our experiences regarding how to make the content interesting and accessible for students).

Keywords: Energy Systems, Mathematical Programming, Optimization, Teaching

JEL Classification: A2, C6