An Introduction to geospatial electrification planning with OnSSET

File 1 contains an outline of the course, its learning objectives, duration, and example assessment methods. In File 2, an example timetable is provided that breaks the course into two different blocks and suggests time allocations. File 3 provides a reading list containing key publications, the OnSSET manual, and other related interesting publications.

In the first week, students are introduced to the overall course structure, its objectives, and expected outcomes. The importance of energy access in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDG 7, is explored in detail. Students then engage in their first hands-on exercise using the Global Electrification Platform (GEP Explorer) to examine investment needs under different electrification scenarios, providing a practical foundation for understanding how modelling tools support energy access planning.

The second week introduces the Open Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET), its purpose, and how it contributes to energy planning processes. Key Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concepts are presented, equipping students with the spatial thinking necessary for electrification modelling. During the hands-on session, students practice working with vector data, learning how to handle, visualize, and analyse spatial datasets that form the backbone of electrification analysis.

In week three, students learn how to design and generate electrification scenarios through the scenario builder and scenario generator tools. The practical session focuses on raster data, providing students with skills in processing, interpreting, and applying these datasets to energy modelling tasks. By the end of the week, students can use both vector and raster data in the context of electrification planning.

Week four introduces students to the principles of scenario-based energy modelling, including how to design robust electrification scenarios and conduct sensitivity analyses to test underlying assumptions. In the hands-on session, students work on data collection methods and build a geospatial database compatible with the inputs required for the analysis.

The fifth week expands the scope into more advanced modelling exercises. Students learn how to adapt the tool to address complex planning contexts, such as integrating different supply options or testing ambitious policy scenarios. The hands-on session covers how to extract the GIS data to CSV format, which is then used as input to the model.

In week six, students learn how to conduct a full electrification analysis and interpret results. Advanced modelling approaches and strategies for effectively communicating outputs to policymakers and stakeholders are covered. The hands-on session involves running a complete analysis using the GEP Scenario Generator for their country of interest.