Request for Proposals: Agent-Based Model for Distributed Renewable Energy Adoption

Deadline: 20-Sep-26

C40 Cities Climate Leadership is inviting proposals from qualified organisations and consortia to develop and apply an Agent-Based Model (ABM) assessing how city-level policies can influence the adoption of distributed solar and battery energy solutions in Mumbai and Chennai. The project aims to generate evidence that can help accelerate grid decarbonisation and improve public health in India. Funded by the Wellcome Trust and developed in collaboration with Ashoka ACPET and CHART centres, the initiative seeks to identify evidence-based pathways that can support Indian cities in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

About the C40 Agent-Based Modelling Project

The project will examine how local policy measures can influence decisions by residential and commercial actors to adopt distributed solar electricity generation and battery storage. The selected supplier will use an Agent-Based Modelling approach to analyse these interactions and estimate how different policy interventions could affect: - Adoption of distributed solar. - Adoption of battery energy storage. - Energy use across urban areas. - Renewable energy uptake. - Coal power plant utilisation. - Emissions reduction. The project focuses specifically on Mumbai and Chennai and aims to provide city-level evidence for policy development. What Is the Main Objective of the Project? The primary objective is to develop and apply an Agent-Based Model that evaluates the impact of specific local policy measures on the adoption of distributed solar and battery energy solutions. The model will consider how different types of households and businesses respond to policy changes and how these individual decisions can influence broader energy and emissions outcomes. What Will the Selected Supplier Do? The selected organisation or consortium will be responsible for delivering several components of the project.

The scope includes:

- Developing the modelling methodology. - Conducting local ground surveys. - Collecting relevant data. - Analysing collected data. - Building or adapting an Agent-Based Model. - Simulating different policy interventions. - Assessing energy adoption outcomes. - Evaluating emissions reduction impacts. The supplier will need to combine local data collection with modelling and analytical expertise. Agent-Based Modelling Approach The project will use an Agent-Based Modelling approach to examine how individual residential and commercial actors respond to different policy measures. The model should represent different types of households and businesses and simulate their potential decisions regarding distributed solar generation and battery storage. By modelling these individual actors and their interactions, the project aims to assess how city-level policy interventions could affect overall energy consumption, renewable energy adoption, and emissions. Energy Systems Covered by the Model The project scope includes representing all energy use in the built environment and industries within the urban boundaries of Mumbai and Chennai. Within this broader energy system, the model will particularly focus on: - Distributed solar electricity generation. - Battery storage. - Residential energy users. - Commercial energy users. - Industrial energy use. - Renewable energy adoption. - Coal power plant utilisation. - Emissions. The model should therefore connect local adoption decisions with wider energy-system consequences. Focus on Mumbai and Chennai The project will focus on two major Indian cities: - Mumbai. - Chennai. The research will examine how policy measures implemented at the city level could affect the adoption of distributed solar and battery energy solutions in these urban environments. Local ground surveys and data collection will form part of the project to support the development or adaptation of an appropriate model. Policy Intervention Analysis A central part of the project is to simulate the effects of specific local policy measures. The Agent-Based Model should help assess how different policy interventions could influence: - Household adoption of distributed solar. - Commercial adoption of distributed solar. - Battery storage uptake. - Renewable energy use. - Electricity demand. - Coal power plant utilisation. - Emissions reduction. This analysis is intended to provide evidence that can inform policies aimed at grid decarbonisation. Climate and Public Health Objectives The project forms part of a broader effort to accelerate grid decarbonisation and improve public health in India. Reducing dependence on carbon-intensive electricity generation and increasing the adoption of distributed renewable energy can form part of pathways toward lower emissions. The initiative seeks to generate evidence that can help Indian cities develop pathways toward net-zero emissions by 2050. Wellcome Trust and Project Collaboration The initiative is funded by the Wellcome Trust and developed in collaboration with Ashoka ACPET and CHART centres. The project forms part of a broader effort to develop evidence-based approaches to climate and public health challenges in Indian cities. How Much Funding Is Available? The total project budget is $50,000 USD. The budget covers all project deliverables and associated costs, including: - Project activities. - Travel. - Expenses. Payment will be made according to project milestones approved by C40. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed budget can cover all costs associated with delivering the required work within the available $50,000 budget. Who Can Apply?

Proposals are invited from:

- Organisations. - Consortia. Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience in urban energy modelling, particularly within the Indian context. The selected supplier must also be able to accept contracts for professional services under C40’s Standard Services Contract. Experience in Urban Energy Modelling Applicants should have demonstrated experience relevant to the technical require