Simulation is a key method in energy research and exists in many forms. Task Area 5 aims to improve access to and usability of simulation tools for both experts and non-experts, aligning with the FAIR principles not only for data, but also for research software. One focus is the development of model registries to make stand-alone simulation software more discoverable and reusable.

To address complex research questions, distributed simulations are often required, integrating various tools, abstraction layers, and enabling parallel execution. However, such simulations typically demand advanced programming skills, which can be a barrier.

To lower these barriers, Task Area 5 is working on more support for distributed simulations. A central component is the development of a scenario ontology that standardizes terminology and serves as a configuration reference. This fosters interoperability and seamless tool integration.

Ultimately, these efforts aim to enable Simulation-as-a-Service (SaaS) via the NFDI4Energy service portfolio, making simulation more accessible, flexible, and reusable across the energy research community.

Objectives

• Provide an overview of relevant simulation software, models, and methods applied in this field in energy system research as service for the community
• Identify best practices in energy system distributed simulation
• Assist the simulation workflow on the base of ontologies in selection, configuration, and execution of simulators
• Improve existing simulation middleware to increase its general usability for energy researchers
• Establish a SaaS frontend for the NFDI4Energy platform

Participating partners

• Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
• Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
• OFFIS – Institut für Informatik
• Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen

Services used or developed

• Simulation as a Service Hub
• Software Registry becomes part of nfdi.software. Task Area 5 has already developed its own metadata schema for the registry.
• Open Energy Ontology, which is accessed through the Open Energy Platform or the Terminology Service

Links to output that has been generated

• D5.2.1.1 Registry of relevant domain ontologies for co-simulation scenario definition
• D 5.3.3.1 Extending a Data-Centric Distributed Simulation Framework for the Energy Domain
• D5.3.1.1 Requirements for the Implementation of NFDI4Energy Use Cases
• Towards a Data-Centric Distributed Simulation Framework for the Energy Domain
• Towards a Simulation-as-a-Service Hub for the Energy Domain
• Extending a Data-Centric Distributed Simulation Framework for the Energy Domain
• D 5.3.3.1 Extending a Data-Centric Distributed Simulation Framework for the Energy Domain
• Towards an ontology for co-simulation scenarios of energy systems
• NFDI4Energy Conference 2025 – Service Poster – mosaik-as-a-service
• Refining Metadata for Energy Simulation Software: Workshop Materials from NFDI4Energy Conference 2025
• Research Software Engineering in the Energy Domain as Part of NFDI4Energy
• From Start to Finish- The Ideal Process of Using Simulation Software in Energy Research Projects