We would like to hire an external party to support modeling team to improve the quality of our OPERA model in the following tasks. The tasks for OPERA include programming in AIMMS, reviewing, testing, and improving user interface:

One key area requiring assistance involves restructuring the model for greater consistency. To this aim, we would like the external party to conduct a comprehensive review of the OPERA model with suggestions for improvement in model formulation and user interface as well as suggestions to improve modularity and standardization of model code style.
Improving the scaling of the model: OPERA has many units (e.g. MWh, PJ, GJ/hour, MtonCO2 etc..) which results in ill-scaled model. We would like to get help with improving the scaling of the model and implementing the of units of measurement feature of AIMMS.
Improving the user interface: We seek improvements to the user interface, particularly in enhancing visualization of input and output data to facilitate ease of use for non-modelers. For instance, the analysis of infeasibilities in the model assumptions could also be a part of user interface.
Improving model efficiency: We also would like to improve model efficiency whereever possible. This may include changing solver settings, improving model sparsity, and looking into if there are possibilities to further reduce model size and the run times. Additionally, it would be helpful to gain more knowledge on the ins-and-outs of the Math Program Inspector to solve infeasibilities.
Unit testing for input consistency and constraint validation: Currently, the model includes regression testing, which evaluates the impact of code changes on the objective function. In AIMMS, however, implementing unit testing is not straightforward. To address this, we plan to add procedures that test the consistency of input data before solving the model and to develop methods to verify that the constraints formulated by AIMMS align with their intended design.

We would like to have a weekly meeting (online), and if helpful in person at PBL (at least once a month) to work together on the above topics.

Achtergrond opdracht

OPERA - Option Portfolio for Emissions Reduction Assessment - is A bottom-up, technology rich, optimization-based techno-economic model of the entire energy system of the Netherlands. OPERA can calculate how, with which technology mix, the Netherlands can achieve (combinations of) emission and energy goals in a specific year at the lowest possible cost. OPERA also includes specific goals for renewable energy and final energy consumption and can distinguish between ETS (Emissions Trading System) and non-ETS emissions. This allows the model to calculate how the Netherlands can achieve such specific goals at the lowest cost. The model is programmed in AIMMS language. We would like to improve the quality of OPERA model so that it satisfies the certain aspects of the model standards framework as mandated by the PBL Normenkader. To this aim, we seek to hire an external party to conduct a comprehensive review of the OPERA model and to support modeling team at PBL to improve the quality of our OPERA model.

Functie-eisen

Harde eisen (must haves)

Programming
Mathematical Modelling
Optimization
Education
Expertise in modelling energy system, energy transition, and energy network optimization - 5jr
Expertise in modelling industry - 5jr
Expertise in AIMMS and optimization techniques, - 5jr

Wensen (nice to haves)

Experience with model development or testing.
Evidence of knowledge or expertise in the field (e.g., published reports or papers)

Competenties

Presentation skills,
strong quantitative skills,
strong analytical skills,
working independent
English & Dutch language,
Proactive, being able to organize their own work

Bedrijfsinformatie

PBL is de uitvoeringsorganisatie van het ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat en bestaat uit zeven landelijke en zeven regionale organisatieonderdelen. Al meer dan 200 jaar werken we dagelijks aan een veilig, leefbaar en bereikbaar Nederland. We beheren en ontwikkelen de rijkswegen, -vaarwegen en -wateren en zetten in op een duurzame leefomgeving. Samen met anderen werken we aan een land dat beschermd is tegen overstromingen. Waar voldoende groen is, en voldoende en schoon water. En waar je vlot en veilig van A naar B kunt. Samenwerken aan een veilig, leefbaar en bereikbaar Nederland. Dat is PBL.

Uiteraard staat deze vacature open voor iedereen die zich hierin herkent.