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Exploring Low-Carbon Futures: A Web Service Approach to Linking Diverse Climate-Energy-Economy Models

Author

Listed:
  • Getachew F. Belete

    (University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands)

  • Alexey Voinov

    (University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
    PERSWADE Center, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Iñaki Arto

    (Basque Centre for Climate Change, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain)

  • Kishore Dhavala

    (Basque Centre for Climate Change, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
    Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India)

  • Tatyana Bulavskaya

    (Districon, 3603 AW Maarssen, The Netherlands)

  • Leila Niamir

    (University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands)

  • Saeed Moghayer

    (Wageningen University & Research, WECR, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Tatiana Filatova

    (University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
    PERSWADE Center, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia)

Abstract

The use of simulation models is essential when exploring transitions to low-carbon futures and climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. There are many models developed to understand socio-environmental processes and interactions, and analyze alternative scenarios, but hardly one single model can serve all the needs. There is much expectation in climate-energy research that constructing new purposeful models out of existing models used as building blocks can meet particular needs of research and policy analysis. Integration of existing models, however, implies sophisticated coordination of inputs and outputs across different scales, definitions, data and software. This paper presents an online integration platform which links various independent models to enhance their scope and functionality. We illustrate the functionality of this web platform using several simulation models developed as standalone tools for analyzing energy, climate and economy dynamics. The models differ in levels of complexity, assumptions, modeling paradigms and programming languages, and operate at different temporal and spatial scales, from individual to global. To illustrate the integration process and the internal details of our integration framework we link an Integrated Assessment Model (GCAM), a Computable General Equilibrium model (EXIOMOD), and an Agent Based Model (BENCH). This toolkit is generic for similar integrated modeling studies. It still requires extensive pre-integration assessment to identify the ‘appropriate’ models and links between them. After that, using the web service approach we can streamline module coupling, enabling interoperability between different systems and providing open access to information for a wider community of users.

Suggested Citation

  • Getachew F. Belete & Alexey Voinov & Iñaki Arto & Kishore Dhavala & Tatyana Bulavskaya & Leila Niamir & Saeed Moghayer & Tatiana Filatova, 2019. "Exploring Low-Carbon Futures: A Web Service Approach to Linking Diverse Climate-Energy-Economy Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:15:p:2880-:d:251923
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anja Bauer & Leo Capari & Daniela Fuchs & Titus Udrea, 2023. "Diversification, integration, and opening: developments in modelling for policy," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 50(6), pages 977-987.
    2. Laura Torralba-Díaz & Christoph Schimeczek & Matthias Reeg & Georgios Savvidis & Marc Deissenroth-Uhrig & Felix Guthoff & Benjamin Fleischer & Kai Hufendiek, 2020. "Identification of the Efficiency Gap by Coupling a Fundamental Electricity Market Model and an Agent-Based Simulation Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-19, July.
    3. Leila Niamir & Gregor Kiesewetter & Fabian Wagner & Wolfgang Schöpp & Tatiana Filatova & Alexey Voinov & Hans Bressers, 2020. "Assessing the macroeconomic impacts of individual behavioral changes on carbon emissions," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 158(2), pages 141-160, January.

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