ETSAP aims to further improve and extend its tools under the
proposed Annex XI (2008-2010). It promotes and supports the application of technical economic tools at the
global, regional, national and local levels. It aims at preparing sustainable strategies for economic
development, energy security, climate change mitigation and environment.
Data and assumptions are fed into data handling systems that provide input to the model generators.
The model generators work in the GAMS environment and produce text output that is read by the results handling system.
The results handling system produces numerical and graphical (mainly via Excel) output for the user.
Choosing a data handling system:
The two systems are based on very different philosophies and have their own strengths and weaknesses in terms of the learning curve and power/flexibility.
Users are encouraged to try fully functional evaluation versions of the systems before making the final decision. See the developer’s websites for more information:
ANSWER
VEDA_FE
Choosing a results handling system:
VEDA-BE works with output in its elemental form and gives the user full flexibiltiy in exploring the model solution.
Elaborate tools are available for interactive and batch mode operation. It works well with both model generators.
ANSWER has comprehensive but pre-defined output tables for MARKAL models. VEDA-BE is recommended for handling results from TIMES models running under ANSWER.
See the developer's websites for more information.
Choosing a model generator:
TIMES is the successor of MARKAL. The ETSAP executive committee has decided to promote TIMES for new users starting winter 2008.
However, MARKAL code will continue to be supported in its current form and it is still an option for new users who may have their own reasons to choose it over TIMES.
See a comparison of the two models.
Acquiring ETSAP tools:
Potential users can write to ETSAP support for any clarifications or supplementary information. In general, this process involves the following steps:
- Send a signed copy of the ETSAP Letter of Agreement to the operating agent
- You will receive the information necessary to download evaluation versions of the tools
- Requests for purchasing systems can be sent to ETSAP support or directly to the developers:
Pricing:
See current indicative prices.
Notes:
ETSAP tools enable one to do the kind of analysis that is summarized in this picture.
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The model is a set of data files (spreadsheets, databases, simple ASCII files), which fully describes the
underlying energy system (technologies, commodities, resources and demands for energy services) in a format
compatible with the associated model generator (MARKAL or TIMES, see 2.) For example, instances of global
models include the Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP) project MARKAL model of the IEA, the TIAM model,
and the European Fusion Development Agreement TIMES model. Pan-European TIMES (PET/M) is a regional model covering EU27 + Noway, Switzerland
and Iceland. Finally, there are several national models of the ETSAP
partner institutions, and various regional and municipal models developed by other institutions. Each set of
files defines one model (perhaps consisting of a number of regional models) and is "owned" by the developer(s).
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A "shell" is a user
interface which oversees all aspects of working with a model including
management of the input data, running of the Model Generator, and
examining the results. It thereby makes practical the use of robust
models (theoretically simple models can be handled by means of ASCII
file editors, if desired). "Shells" include MUSS, developed by
DecisionWare Inc. for early MARKAL models; ANSWER originally developed
by ABARE and subsequently the property of Noble-Soft Systems Pty Ltd for
all MARKAL variants and TIMES; and VEDA developed by KanORS
Consultants for both TIMES and MARKAL. The "shells" were partly
developed using ETSAP resources, and as such small group licenses (5
personal computers (PC)) for each are provided on request free of charge
to ETSAP contracting parties and their designated representatives.
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The MARKAL and TIMES Model Generators are the source codes, which process each set of data files (the model,
see 1.) and generate a matrix with all the coefficients that specify the economic equilibrium model of the energy
system as a mathematical programming problem. The Model Generators also post-process the optimization results.
MARKAL and TIMES result from the contributions of the Contracting Parties and the ingenuity of the developers.
The source code for either model generator is available free of charge, upon providing a signed copy of the ETSAP
Letter of Agreement to the ETSAP Operating Agent (currently ASATREM srl).
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The General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) is the computer programming language in which the MARKAL and TIMES
Model Generators are written. GAMS is the property of GAMS Development Corporation, Washington D.C. Information
on GAMS may be found at www.gams.com or www.gams.de.
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A solver is a software package integrated with GAMS which solves the mathematical programming problem produced
by the Model Generator for a particular instance of the MARKAL or TIMES model. Information on solvers may be
found at www.gams.com.
GAMS, appropriate solver(s) and a "shell", referred to as Third Party Software, have to be purchased by those
looking to effectively use MARKAL or TIMES at the prices established by the developers. Collectively the Model Generator(s) and Third Party Software are referred to as ETSAP Tools.
Through bilateral and
multilateral partnerships, the methodologies and tools developed and used
by the ETSAP network are utilized in an increasing number of other
countries, including developing countries and those with economies in
transition as well as the industrialized countries. As a result of
numerous successful training and capacity building programs, today over 150
teams in more than 50 countries around the world make use of the
MARKAL-MACRO family of Energy/Economy/Environment/Engineering (4E) models.
