Martin Densing

Martin Densing is a Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, working within the Energy Economics Group of the Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis. He has maintained this position since 2009 and has also served as a lecturer at both ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, teaching courses in energy systems analysis and portfolio optimization. His work bridges academic research and practical energy policy applications through collaborations with Swiss government agencies and international energy organizations.

Education:

• Dr.sc.ETH (2008) from the Institute for Operations Research and Mathematical Methods in Economics (IOR), University of Zurich, together with the Institute for Operations Research (IFOR), Department of Mathematics, ETH Zurich
• MSc ETH Physics in Theoretical Physics (1996) from ETH Zurich

Dr. Densing's research focuses on the intersection of mathematical optimization, energy economics, and power system analysis. His work spans from fundamental methodological developments in stochastic programming to practical applications in electricity market design, renewable energy integration, and long-term energy scenario analysis. He has made significant contributions to understanding hydropower optimization, flexibility requirements in decarbonizing electricity systems, and the economic implications of energy policy decisions. His current research emphasizes Swiss energy transition pathways, storage valuation, and the role of Power-to-X technologies in future energy systems.

An analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on mathematical modeling of energy systems with increasing emphasis on decarbonization challenges. His work demonstrates sophisticated methodological approaches to energy system optimization under uncertainty, with growing attention to risk management in energy markets and the integration of variable renewable energy sources. Recent publications particularly highlight Swiss energy transition challenges, flexibility requirements in low-carbon systems, and the economic valuation of storage and other flexibility options.

Dr. Densing has been actively involved in multiple significant research projects including The role of storage in risk-averse market equilibria (SNF Project), Cross-Border Electricity Market Modeling (BEM Model), SWEET-CoSi (Co-evolution of Swiss energy scenarios), SHELTERED (Global synfuel pathways for Switzerland), and IRGC (Risk-mapping and evaluation of energy transition risks). His work has been supported by Swiss funding agencies including the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, as well as international collaborations through the World Energy Council.

As part of the Energy Economics Group at PSI's Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis, Dr. Densing collaborates with researchers across Switzerland and internationally. His work frequently involves interdisciplinary teams combining expertise in engineering, economics, and policy analysis to address complex energy system challenges. His research outputs regularly inform Swiss energy policy discussions and contribute to international energy scenario development efforts.