Who
Dr. Thomas Nikolakakis
When
12 Jan 2026, 11:00 Athens time, Science Building 145Π58
Title
Power systems planning for the energy transition. Analytical methodologies and key challenges
Abstract
Moving towards carbon neutrality requires gradually transforming the technological, regulatory and fuel landscape of the energy system. The power sector is expected to grow significantly, as low carbon electricity -primarily from renewable and nuclear sources- is likely to supply an increasing share of end-use demand across all sectors (industry, buildings, transport). In addition, several parts of the energy sector are difficult to decarbonize without the use of electrofuels which are produced using electricity. The transformation of the power sector faces numerous challenges. Integrating high shares of solar and wind power makes the process of balancing electricity supply and demand more challenging. Addressing this challenge requires enhancing flexibility across regulatory, operational and technical dimensions (including flexibility in all generation, transmission/distribution, demand, electricity storage, Power to X). At the same time, reliability must be maintained in power systems dominated by inverter-based, low-inertia technologies. Early planning is key to achieving the transition at minimal cost. A variety of analytical methodologies and tools/models have traditionally been used to simulate power system operations, optimize investments on generation and transmission and ensure system reliability. More recently, research has advanced toward integrated modelling approaches where decisions in the power sector are analyzed/optimized through soft linking different type of models - such as macro-economic models, least-cost optimization models, and grid analysis tools – while accounting for emerging technologies like electricity storage, electrolyzers and electric vehicles. This presentation discusses key modelling approaches, important challenges and current research areas in the analysis of low carbon power systems.
About the Speaker
Thomas Nikolakakis is an engineer and expert on power systems planning. He has multi-year experience on modeling the different aspects of electricity generation and transmission and studying the role of the power sector as part of the wider energy sector, the energy transition and the economy. Contemporary topics of engagement include impacts of solar and wind integration on system operations, the impact of EV’s on the electricity load and related investments, and enhancing system flexibility (flexible generation, electricity storage, EVs, smart grids, regional integration, electrofuels etc). In different cases Thomas has worked closely with energy ministries and utilities and has done analysis on power systems from more than 20 countries and/or regions. Thomas has worked as a senior modeling expert with many international organizations including the World Bank (ESMAP), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA). Since 2023, Thomas has also worked as senior researcher with the DSS lab of the NTUA where, under the Horizon project (DIAMOND), has supported the development of the electricity and heat modules of the EU-CLEWs model using OSEMOSYS. Thomas holds a PhD on energy systems modeling from Columbia University and a diploma in environmental engineering from the Technical University of Crete.
