Effective Data Transfer and Simulation of Hydropower Models in SpineOpt

As energy systems grow increasingly complex and reliant on renewable sources, the ability to simulate their be- havior has become essential for researchers and policymakers alike. One tool designed to support such simulations is Spine, an open-source software that enables flexible and general modeling of energy systems. A critical step in building models with Spine is importing data and converting it into a format that the software can process. The aim of this report is to provide a comprehensive guide to that process. Using a hydropower model as a practical example, the Spine importing tool and its features are explained. The result is a practical overview of how to structure and import data efficiently into Spine, including common pitfalls and how to avoid them. While the model used is relatively simple, the procedures and insights presented are applicable to more complex systems as well.