Context and Project Purpose:
The Energy Modelling Hub (EMH) is organizing a series of multi-model comparison workshops, aimed at fostering open comparison of model results and methodologies. This initiative is key in identifying data and modeling practice gaps and opportunities, and will serves as a platform for knowledge exchange among modellers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. The Forum targets model developers and modellers, with the inclusion of model users as observers.
This Forum, led by EMH, will bring together various stakeholders from the Canadian Modelling Ecosystem, including Environment and Climate Change Canada. In its report November 2023 report on Canadian Net Zero Accountability Act—2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, the Office of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development recommended that “to improve the transparency and credibility of its modelling, Environment and Climate Change Canada should work with independent scientists, engineers, and economists and apply their expertise in a pan‑Canadian modelling forum”. This project is our first endeavor to explore how best to create a multi-model comparison forum and to establish an iterative process to be refined and enhanced with the modelling community’s support. Given the success of this initial project, the EMH will work with Environment and Climate Change Canada, as well as with the modelling community, to work towards the establishment of a viable and sustainable Canadian Multi-model Comparison Forum.
Proposed Approach:
The Multi-Model Comparison Forum will establish two primary work streams, each operating under the overarching framework of EMH. These streams are designed to align with our objectives of promoting transparency, credibility, and collaboration in modeling practices. Each working group will be led by a designated leader and governed by a steering committee responsible for defining specific processes and objectives in line with the Forum’s goals.
1- Integrated Energy and Electricity Modelling Stream:
Stream One features two specialized working groups:
A) Electricity Modelling Working Group: This group will focus on various aspects of electricity modeling. The working group will utilize a common set of inputs and work towards establishing consensus on modeling scenarios and standardizing outputs. This approach is intended to facilitate comprehensive comparison and effective visualization of modeling results. The group’s activities will require a high level of coordination and effort due to the technical complexity and integrated nature of electricity models.
B) Energy System Modelling Working Group: This group will address broader energy system modeling aspects. Given the diversity in modeling methodologies, this group will place less emphasis on standardizing inputs and outputs. The approach will include establishing a set of initial assumptions for model inputs. The group will focus on modeling specific research or policy questions, followed by discussions on the varied outcomes. This iterative process is aimed at refining and developing models based on shared insights and fostering a broader understanding of diverse modeling perspectives.
2- Sector-Specific Modelling Exchange Stream:
Stream Two is designed to be more inclusive, welcoming modellers from various sectors beyond traditional energy and electricity. For the first edition, Stream two will focus on transportation, and building sector models.
This group will engage in sharing and discussing models, methodologies, and findings across different sectors. With a wide range of models involved, the emphasis will be on facilitating knowledge exchange, open discussions, and the identification of specific challenges and areas of convergence rather than direct model comparisons.
Funding Opportunities:
The Energy Modelling Hub (EMH) is committed to fostering inclusive participation in the Multi-Model Comparison Forum. To this end, EMH has allocated a budget to potentially fund the participation of diverse groups in this significant exercise. This funding is designed to remove financial barriers and support a wide range of activities integral to the success of the Forum. These include, but are not limited to, operational costs associated with model development and operation, efforts related to the integration of models with the EMH’s open-source platform where applicable, and travel expenses for participants. The aim of this financial support is to ensure that a variety of voices and perspectives can contribute to and benefit from this collaborative and groundbreaking endeavor, addressing pertinent needs and enhancing the overall quality and impact of the Forum.
Timelines
- Dec 18th, 2023: Launch of the Call for Applications
- Jan 19th, 2024: Deadline for Answering the Call for Applications
- January 2024: Selection of Group Leads and Formation of Steering Committees
- Jan 26th, 2024: Notification of Funding to the Selected Teams
- First Week of Feb 2024: Kick-off Meetings for the Different Working Groups
- January to May/June 2024: Development and Execution of Models by Participating Groups. Regular Touchpoints for Sharing Interim Results and Discussion
- May/June 2024: Hosting of the Final Multi-model Comparison Forum for Result Comparison and Discussion
- Post-June 2024: Potential Repetition of the Process if Necessary
- Later in 2024: Publication of Scientific Papers Based on the Outcomes (Depending on Relevance)