Coupling energy system models with multi-regional input-output models based on the make and use framework – insights from MESSAGEix and EXIOBASE

Technology-rich integrated assessment models (IAMs) provide high resolution of the energy-related climate impacts, when exploring prospective climate change mitigation strategies. However, energy system models (ESMs), the core of integrated assessment models, usually ignore industrial linkages other than those related to energy. Furthermore, these models focus on climate change and neglect other environmental pressures. In this manuscript we present an approach for coupling ESMs with multiregional input–output models (MRIOs) based on the Make and Use framework. The main advantage of using the Make and Use framework can be seen in improving both models simultaneously. An exemplary case study is carried out for the energy system model of MESSAGEix and the multi-regional input–output database of EXIOBASE. We further elaborate on the methodology to illustrate the usefulness but also challenges of this approach. Finally, we identify further steps to be carried out toward systematic prospective analyzes.