The GISPO model is a long-term power-system planning model for the whole world.

Introduction

The Global Integrated Sustainable Power-system Optimization Model (GISPO) is an integrated computational framework designed to simulate and optimize the expansion and hourly operations of global power systems, with a particular focus on novel investments in generation, storage, and transmission infrastructure for a specified target year (e.g., 2050). The GISPO employs an optimization approach to determine the least-cost portfolio for each planning year interval, which integrates a comprehensive array of input parameters, including projected electricity demand, investment costs, technology performance metrics, planning and operating reserve requirements, inertia constraints, and energy availability factors—encompassing both installation capacity potential and hourly generation profiles. The model’s technological scope is extensive, incorporating a diverse range of power generation sources: variable renewable energies (VREs) such as onshore and offshore wind power, utility-scale and distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems; conventional sources including hydropower, thermal power (coal, natural gas, and biomass), and nuclear power; and energy storage solutions like battery systems and pumped hydro storage (PHS). Additionally, the GISPO accounts for intra-grid, inter-grid, and inter-regional transmission infrastructure, considering both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) technologies. This approach enables the GISPO to provide a nuanced and realistic representation of complex, interconnected power systems on a global scale. We show the model framework in Figure 1.