26.03.2025
On March 16, 2025, a new elective course "Energy modelling fundamentals with Plexos" was launched in the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEBA) at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". The course brings together students from the master’s programs in "Nuclear Technology, Management, and Innovations" and "Energy Markets and Services", who will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge approaches to energy market analysis and energy system optimization, as well as acquire skills in using PLEXOS, the leading software in the industry.
The course is the result of a collaboration agreement between FEBA and Energy Exemplar, providing students with access to state-of-the-art tools for energy system analysis. Energy Exemplar is a global leader in energy modelling software solutions, serving over 600 clients in more than 80 countries. Its main product, PLEXOS, is widely used by governments, regulators, and leading energy companies, including the IEA, IRENA, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Baringa, and many others. In recent years, the company has strengthened its leadership position, earning prestigious awards such as the IPPAI Power Awards 2025 and Global Business Tech Awards 2025 for innovation in the energy sector.
In the context of the dynamic transformation of the energy sector, driven by the global shift toward cleaner and more efficient energy systems, the role of energy modelers is becoming increasingly important. Their analytical expertise supports strategic decision-making related to investments in new energy capacities, energy grid planning, and the development of sustainable policies. Recognizing this, FEBA reaffirms its position as a leading academic centre in energy economics and management with the introduction of this course. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering close collaboration with industry partners, the faculty provides students with knowledge and practical skills that will prepare them for the real-world challenges of the energy sector.
The course "Energy modelling fundamentals with Plexos" is made possible thanks to the financial support provided through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the TWIN4ECO project. The lecturers of the course are Chief Assistant Professor Mariya Trifonova, PhD., Director of the master programme “Energy Markets and Services”, Mariyana Yaneva, Energy Storage & Smart Grids expert, and Lyubimka Georgieva, Research Assistant at Net-Zero Lab.