I'm using LEAP to model the past ten years of a real energy system and the results show that only one technology is added over the period yet this is not the case in reality. Whereas the optimization seeks to minimize costs, shouldn't the optimal results yield a mix rather than selecting only the cheapest technology?

I would also like to enquire about the modelling of fluctuating hydrology for hydro power plants, can capacity credit be used to model this?

The goal of the optimization calculation is to find the least-cost solution, so this may or may not result in a mix of technologies. If you are concerned that the results are not realistic, you can always add constraints in the Minimum and Maximum Capacity and Minimum and Maximum Capacity Addition variables, or you can add emission constraints. For more information on this, refer to the following help page: https://www.energycommunity.org/Help/index.htm#t=Optimization%2FOptimizationIntroduction.htm

As for modeling fluctuating hydrology, we recommend creating a new Yearly Shape of the Availability Shape type, and then referencing this new shape in the Maximum Availability variable. More info on the creating yearly shapes is given here:

Hope this helps!

Emily

I would also like to find out from you what the correct expression would be in LEAP to set the maximum or minimum capacity addition to a given percentage of the total capacity in a given year. For example if I'm optimizing a scenario and would want to limit the addition size of a power plant to 10% of the total capacity in a year, what would I specify in the model?

Thanks,
Emily

Regarding capacity credit, if my understanding is correct it is considered when calculating the capacity needed to meet peak load right? So what value should be specified for base load plants, low values (close to 0) or high values (close to 100)?

Regards,

Nancy.