Abstract
Local Energy Markets (LEMs) have been proposed as an effective solution to coordinate distributed energy resources within emerging smart local energy systems. However, LEMs are still at an early stage of development and are not widely implemented yet. Extensible open-source software tools are needed to simulate different market designs and evaluate their feasibility and effectiveness. This paper presents OPLEM, an open-source Python package for modelling and testing LEM designs. It offers a modular and flexible framework to create and test market designs adapted for distribution networks. OPLEM integrates two distinct models—one for designing and simulating local energy markets, and another for network operation. Unlike existing tools, OPLEM platform offers a comprehensive solution that bridges the gap between market design and network operation assessment, enabling stakeholders to gain deeper insights into the interactions between market dynamics and grid performance. Additionally, the inclusion of participant and asset models further enhances the tool’s versatility, allowing for a holistic analysis. Thanks to its modular structure, OPLEM allows the development of customised LEM designs and initially incorporates four popular LEM designs: Time-of-Use pricing market, centralised dispatch with distribution locational marginal pricing, bilateral peer-to-peer market and auction market. By combining market design and network modelling functionalities, the tool empowers users to explore various scenarios and optimise market clearings to enhance both economic efficiency and grid reliability.
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