A Journey of Innovation and Tools Development

Our energy modeling journey has been one of constant evolution, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy system analysis. Each model we’ve developed has addressed unique challenges, contributed to critical global discussions, and inspired innovations in the tools that support them. Here’s how our models and tools have grown together.

1990
India MARKAL MODEL

The Beginning of Energy System Modeling in India

Milestone: Developed as part of a doctoral dissertation at IIM Ahmedabad, the India MARKAL Model was India’s first comprehensive energy system model.

Focus: Energy security, emissions reduction, and technology deployment for India’s growing economy.

Tool Development: Used FoxPro and MUSS, an early database manipulation tool, to create structured inputs and analyze results.

Key Outcome: This foundational model demonstrated the power of structured, data-driven planning for a developing country.

Key Study: Published in Energy and Environment Policies for a Sustainable Future (Loulou, Shukla, Kanudia) and Modelling Policy Options for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in India.

1995–2000
Canadian Multi-Region MARKAL Model

Adding Regional Dimensions to National Energy Modeling

Milestone: The first multi-region MARKAL model, developed for Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), explored Canada’s Kyoto Protocol commitments. Focus: Inter-provincial cooperation and energy trade to achieve GHG reductions. Tool Development: Introduced region dimensions using FoxPro to manipulate MPS files—an innovative approach for the time. Key Outcomes:

Demonstrated the importance of modeling inter-regional collaboration for national policy.
Showcased the role of advanced data manipulation in expanding modeling capabilities.

Key Studies:

Early 2000s
SAGE (System for the
Analysis of Global
Energy)

The First Global MARKAL Model

Milestone: Developed for the U.S. EIA, SAGE analyzed global energy systems and informed the International Energy Outlook (IEO) until 2007. Focus: Comprehensive trade dynamics, regional interconnections, and long-term projections. Tool Development: Laid the groundwork for Veda, which began as a results analysis tool before expanding into input handling. Key Outcome: Set the stage for global energy system models, emphasizing nimbleness in scenario handling. Key Studies: Featured in EIA’s International Energy Outlooks (2003–2007).

2005–2010
EFDA TIMES

The First Global TIMES Model

Milestone: Developed under the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) to analyze fusion energy in global decarbonization. Focus: Long-term decarbonization scenarios with a global focus. Tool Development: Created the first fully functional TIMES data-handling system with advanced input preparation and results analysis capabilities. Key Outcome: This became the foundation for the widely adopted TIAM model. Key Study: Fusion Energy Viability Studies (2010–2013).

2010–2015
JMRT, FACETS, and PET

Expanding Regional and Sectoral Modeling

JMRT (Japan Multi-Regional TIMES):

Modeled Japan’s post-Fukushima energy challenges, focusing on nuclear phase-outs and renewable integration.
Preprocessing workflows streamlined complex datasets for model inputs.

FACETS (Framework for Analysis of Climate-Energy-Technology Systems):

Regional U.S. model examining state-level policies and electrification scenarios.
Introduced VedaViz for interactive visualization and online result-sharing with stakeholders.
Electrification Scenarios for the U.S..

PET (Pan-European TIMES):

Focused on EU-wide decarbonization and energy trade, forming the foundation of the JRC_EU_TIMES model.
NEEDS Project (2004–2008).
RES2020 Project.

2018–2020
AU-TIMES and IEMM

Scaling Up and Adding Flexibility

AU-TIMES (Australian TIMES Model):

Explored renewable integration, hydrogen economy development, and decarbonization pathways.
Key Studies:
- Decarbonisation Futures (2020).
- AEMO Integrated System Plan (ISP).
Contributions to Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy.

IEMM (International Electricity Market Model):

First parameter-driven model, focused on global electricity markets and cross-border trade.
Featured in EIA’s International Energy Outlook 2019 (IEO2019).

The early global models—SAGE, EFDA TIMES, and TIAM—taught us invaluable lessons about the challenges of modeling at scale. Repeatedly hitting against rigid region, time, and technology aggregations, along with the difficulty of maintaining and updating these complex models, underscored the need for a more adaptable and nimble approach. These experiences, combined with the systematic data processing insights gained from working on IEMM, naturally led to the creation of KiNESYS—a platform that has revolutionized the process of creating and maintaining Veda-TIMES models. On a parallel track, the robust data engine of Veda 2.0, combined with our experience of working in the cloud and developing LMA, inspired Veda Online—a cloud-based evolution of Veda that reimagines how modelers collaborate and engage with models. Both KiNESYS and Veda Online take our core values of nimbleness and inclusivity to an entirely new level, empowering users to interact with energy models in ways that were previously unimaginable.