Information systems for energy planning

Meeting CO2 reduction goals on the local level can be obtained by lower end-use energy consumption and the utilisation of renewable energy sources. Required investments and environmental consequences are analysed applying computer models for scenario analysis. In this case two different modelling approaches were chosen. Advanced analyses of future energy systems require extensive datases, of which many can be supplied by agencies and vendors. Most energy data are spatially related, e.g. buildings situated in relation to energy distribution networks. These spatial data have been efficiently organised in a GIS. Results of energy systems analysis can be visualised in a GIS, improving the flow of information to the stakeholders. A precondition for the proposed energy planning approach is the existence of detailed public registers on energy consumption. In this project, available Danish data resources and existing energy models have been interconnected by a GIS and a relational database. The first configuration of such an energy information system (EIS) applies ArcView, connected to a central MS-Access database and the energy models. An EIS of this kind has been developed for the island of Samsø, where the energy system is undergoing major reconstruction towards being supplied entirely by renewable energy. The EIS shall support local planners and activists with a common information system and shared data resources. It was found that the use of GIS and database technology can facilitate the construction of advanced computer models, and support the conveyance of results to the public. Time-consuming data collection can be organised more efficiently, and the spatial dimension supplied energy planners with new tools