Energy modeling comparisons

For these activities the modeling frameworks developed by the Energy (ENE) Program at IIASA provided critical inputs and Transitions to New Technology (TNT) scientists joined their ENE colleagues in these major endeavors, providing critical information for the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR5).

The Energy Modeling Forum (EMF27) conducted a massive modeling intercomparison project which illustrated the critical importance of technology and innovation uncertainty. It was coordinated on the IIASA side by Keywan Riahi and summarized in a special issue of Climatic Change [1]. This, together with earlier TNT research on innovation technology portfolio and investment biases [2] figured prominently in several chapters of AR5.

AMPERE used state-of-the art models to develop long-term strategies to drastically lessen the global impact of climate change. A special issue of Technological Forecasting and Social Change [3] was released, providing an overview of the AMPERE modeling comparison project with a focus on the implications of near-term policies for the costs and attainability of long-term climate objectives. Nine international modeling teams participated.

The results from these intercomparisons underpin IPCC AR5 conclusions regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction needs, mitigation costs, upscaling efforts of zero-carbon technologies, and the role of new technologies in climate protection.

Last edited: 28 April 2015