Dr. Taco Niet, P.Eng. is an internationally recognized leader in the open source energy systems modelling community. His research focuses on addressing systemic challenges in our energy systems, including integration of variable renewables, and building modelling capacity in emerging economies to address energy challenges. Specific research interests include sustainable development, energy systems modelling, wind and solar energy and storage. Niet sits on the OSeMOSYS (Open Source Energy Modeling System) Steering Committee and has been invited to teach energy systems modelling for the UN Summer School on Modelling in Trieste, Italy. He is part of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) initiative to build energy modelling capabilities in the emerging economies of Viet Nam (2017) and Ethiopia (2019). Dr. Niet has been teaching mechanical engineering at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) since 2003. In his teaching he focuses on challenging students in innovative ways that encourage them to develop the leadership and critical thinking skills necessary for addressing engineering challenges. Dr. Niet holds B.Eng., M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Victoria.