The E-RAM model assesses various resource potential related to energy.

Introduction

The Energy-Resource Assessment Model (E-RAM) is designed to evaluate the deployment potential and real-time performance of renewable energy resources and associated technologies over spatial and temporal dimensions. The model focuses on key renewable energy sources such as onshore and offshore wind, utility-scale and distributed solar photovoltaic (PV), hydropower, biomass energy, and pumped hydro storage (PHS), while also integrating assessments of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) potential. E-RAM incorporates detailed methodologies tailored to each technology, such as turbine-specific power curves for wind energy, fixed-tilt system modeling for solar PV, and residue-to-product ratios for biomass. It also evaluates installation densities and spatial constraints to determine maximum deployment potential across grid cells. By leveraging high-resolution geospatial datasets and hourly meteorological data, E-RAM calculates maximum installation capacity, site suitability and hourly generation potential based on land-use constraints and technology-specific parameters. Through its comprehensive and high-precision approach, E-RAM serves as a critical supporting tool for energy planning, facilitating the transition to a low-carbon energy system and the achievement of climate and sustainability goals.