Allocator is a decision-making tool for the Regional Energy Strategies, comprises a web application which provides insight to decision makers by means of data visualization and dynamic scenario making. This helps them getting a grip on the effects on renewable energy generation, power grid availability, wind/solar balance, societal costs and suitable project locations for wind and solar energy. Allocator is currently backed up by RES Achterhoek, Province of Gelderland and Liander.
The tool is developed following a university project. In November 2019, the Regional Energy Strategy Twente (RES Twente) approached the University of Twente to develop a tool that can help them discuss and develop their energy plan to eventually meet the climate targets for 2030. Joining the Fraunhofer Expertise Student Team at the university, I helped with two fellow students to develop a first iteration of this tool, or so called ‘serious game’.
We noticed there was a need and more potency for what we just created, after which me and one of the other students and good friend, Tijn Stoffers, decided to continue developing it and offering the tool to more regions. We created the company Appcentive.
Allocator can provide advice on which sustainable energy projects should be allocated to not only meet the regional goal, but also to utilize the power grid in an efficient manner. This is a challenge because, eventually, the municipalities have to agree with transition plans, but power stations to be shared by multiple municipalities, while a single municipality can often make use of multiple stations as well.
Our app allows policy makers to adjust their ambitions in an interactive fashion, whereafter it is immediately calculated which projects can realize those ambitions. Besides, a lot of data is presented visually as to provide useful insights at a glance. For this to work, we use a more simplified model than the power grid operator, hence, we can achieve results within a second rather than multiple months that the operator needs to work out a scenario.
The tool is fully developed by Appcentive, where we put a lot of focus on thinking out and designing the user interface. It was important to visualize the data, so it is understood by a target audience without technical background, and at the same time doesn’t overload the user with information. The programming is done by us as well, of which I was primarily responsible for developing the front-end. For the gathering and accurately presenting of the data, as well as for the more political issues and position of the tool, we received a lot of help from the program team of RES Achterhoek.
Want to know more about Appcentive? Visit the website www.appcentive.nl
