A modular Snakemake workflow for constructing and validating power grid models using OpenStreetMap data.
grid-builder is a modular snakemake workflow for constructing power grid models from OpenStreetMap data for use in energy system modelling. It can be imported directly into any snakemake workflow.
Starting from raw OpenStreetMap data, the workflow extracts high-voltage grid components, including substations, transmission lines, cables, transformers, and converters. Missing electrical parameters such as voltage levels and line counts are then inferred heuristically using region-specific assumptions on asset types and standards. The output is a model-ready power grid network compatible with PyPSA-Eur, PyPSA-Earth, and other energy system modelling frameworks.
This module follows the Modelblocks conventions (https://www.modelblocks.org). For more information, consult the integration example and the snakemake modularisation documentation.
Data processing steps:
- Download OSM power infrastructure data
- Clean and infer electrical network attributes
- Build connected network topology
- Validate network model
Please consult the configuration README and the configuration example for a general overview on the configuration options of this module.
Please consult the interface file for more information.
We use pixi as our package manager for development.
Once installed, run the following to clone this repository and install all dependencies.
git clone git@github.com:PyPSA/grid-builder.git
cd grid-builder
pixi install --allFor testing, simply run:
pixi run test-integrationTo test a minimal example of a workflow using this module:
pixi shell # activate this project's environment
cd tests/integration/ # navigate to the integration example
snakemake --use-conda --cores 2 # run the workflow!grid-builder is released as free software under the MIT license. Different licenses and terms of use may apply to input data, e.g. OpenStreetMap data is subject to the Open Database License.
- Jonas Hörsch et al. 2018. PyPSA-Eur: An open optimisation model of the European transmission system, Energy Strategy Reviews, Volume 22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2018.08.012
- Maximilian Parzen et al. 2023. PyPSA-Earth: A new global open energy system optimization model demonstrated in Africa, Applied Energy, Volume 341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121096
- Bobby Xiong et al. 2025. Modelling the high-voltage grid using open data for Europe and beyond. Sci Data 12, 277. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-04550-7