Overview
📌 Current participants do not need to reapply.
Following the success of Rounds 1 and 2, the Energy Modelling Hub (EMH) is launching Round 3 of the Multi-Model Comparison Forum (MMCF).
Round 3 introduces a significant evolution: a two-track architecture that separates methodological comparison work from structured, policy-facing exercises — allowing the MMCF to serve both the modelling community and federal, provincial, and territorial partners more effectively.
The Forum remains Canada’s primary platform for collaborative energy modelling, bringing together approximately 25–30 teams from academia, government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations to compare results, understand model divergence, and build shared methodological knowledge.
Two-track architecture
- Technical track Longer-cycle, methodological exercises designed for modelling teams who want to stress-test their approaches and contribute to cross-model learning.
- Themes are being finalized and will include questions such as how models represent time (representative days), how foresight is treated in myopic versus perfect-foresight modelling, how to improve the computational performance of Canadian energy models, and how to model the electrification of end uses. Additional themes will be defined in consultation with participating teams. Teams are welcome to propose their own themes and to express interest in leading an exercise.
- Policy track Focused 4–6 month exercises designed to address specific analytical questions submitted by federal, provincial, and territorial partners. Each exercise produces a concise, multi-model synthesis report designed to inform policy development. Policy track themes for Round 3 are being finalized with the Steering Committee.
Working groups
The MMCF’s exercises are carried out through two standing working groups, organized by modelling domain. We are currently recruiting members for both:
- Electricity Modelling Working Group (WG1) — power systems, capacity expansion, and dispatch models
- Energy System Modelling Working Group (WG2) — energy-economy, integrated assessment, and macro models
Current participants do not need to reapply.
📅 Expression of Interest Deadline: June 19, 2026, at 5 PM ET.
Key Dates
- June 2026: Technical track kick-off with participating teams
- June–July 2026: Scientific lead recruitment for priority themes
- July–September 2026: Exercise design and common assumption development
- September–November 2026: Modelling runs
- December 2026: MMCF presentations at the Annual EMH Forum, Ottawa
Policy track timeline will be confirmed once themes are finalized with the Steering Committee.
Purpose and Approach
The MMCF aims to enhance transparency and credibility in Canadian energy and electricity system modelling. Through structured comparison of results, methodologies, and assumptions, it builds a shared analytical foundation for policy discussions. Round 3 places greater emphasis on policy relevance, earlier involvement of policy stakeholders in exercise design, and synthesis outputs designed to be directly usable by decision-makers.
How to Apply
Interested participants can submit an expression of interest via this form. Applications are welcome from modelling teams affiliated with academic institutions, government bodies, private consultants, non-profit organizations, and relevant industries.
Applicants should be model developers, modellers, or key stakeholders in energy and electricity modelling, with a willingness to contribute actively to model comparison, evaluation, and discussion. We encourage applications from diverse groups across geographic locations, institutional affiliations, and professional backgrounds.