Data exchange format and template

Providing results from energy-economic modelling to policymakers and the public at large in a transparent and accessible format requires intuitive, web-based tools for visualization and analysis. In addition, making methods, structural information and detailed parametric model assumptions transparently available to the wider scientific community is important to live up to scientific standards and establish trust in the results of model-based studies.

In order to facilitate the linking of different energy models in an efficient way, on the one hand efficient processes and workflows are needed and on the other hand standardized ways of exchanging information among the models. This requires the development of both an improved modelling platform infrastructure as well as the standards and “handshake” definitions to exchange data between models within the consortium and disseminate results underpinning policy insights to the broader scientific community and all stakeholders of this project.

The openENTRANCE consortium has thus embarked on the creation of common data exchange formats to share model input data and quantitative results. Ideally such standards build on existing standards to enable faster uptake across the energy modelling community. IIASA has been involved in the process of developing of such standards in the context of the Integrated Assessment Modelling Consortium (IAMC), and drawing on the experiences and lessons learned there to ensure the development of standards that are compatible with norms used in other disciplines.