ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT-ECONOMY (3E) MODEL TRAINING WORKSHOP IN BEIJING, CHINA


On 11th and 12th November 2023, with the support of the Energy System Engineering Professional Committee of the China Energy Research Society, the Institute of Energy, Environment, and Economy at Tsinghua University and the Energy Studies Institute at the National University of Singapore jointly organized the Energy-Environment-Economy (3E) model training workshop at Beijing XiJiao Hotel, China.

This training workshop received over 500 registrations, and nearly 50 participants from academia and industry were selected to attend the on-site training. Due to high demand, this workshop also offered an online live-streaming option, engaging over 2000 remote participants. The two-day training workshop included four specialized modelling sessions covering: (a) Input-Output Models, (b) Computable General Equilibrium Models, (c) Energy Technology Models, and (d) Integrated Assessment Models, ensuring that participants gain valuable insights and expertise in key areas at the intersection of energy, environment, and economics.

Professor Teng Fei, Deputy Director of the Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy, welcomed the enthusiastic participation and keen interest of colleagues from academia and industry in his opening address at the 3E model training workshop. He emphasized that the training aims to provide participants with a concise model introduction to enable them to efficiently delve into the field of energy, environmental and economic modelling. Additionally, this training is expected to serve as a platform for researchers to connect with peers and engage in academic exchanges. He also expressed a commitment to continue integrating high-quality resources and organizing a series of training activities with broader coverage and more in-depth content in the future.

On the morning of 11th November, Dr Su Bin, Senior Research Fellow and Division Head from the Energy Studies Institute of the National University of Singapore, delivered a presentation on Input-Output Models. He began by summarizing the advantages and application areas of the Input-Output Analysis (IOA). He then introduced research methodologies of Static Input-Output Model and explored their cutting-edge research cases in different sectors, regions, and time dimensions. Additionally, he provided a detailed overview of Structural Decomposition Analysis (SDA) and Index Decomposition Analysis (IDA) methods, along with the application of Input-Output Linear Programming (IO-LP) model in optimization problems. In the final interactive session, Dr Su delivered a brilliant summary of the principles of model applications, aiding beginners in making better model choices and using models effectively.

On the afternoon of 11th November, Dr Xie Wei, Associate Professor and Research Fellow from the School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Peking University, introduced the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models. He elaborated on the transformation process from Input-Output Tables to Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) tables and discussed practical issues that may arise during the compilation process. Building on this foundation, he presented the structural principles and essential formulas of the CGE model in a clear and concise manner using flowcharts. He also outlined the modeling process tailored to specific research questions. During the interactive session, Dr Xie offered advice for beginners venturing into CGE modeling, emphasizing the significance of comprehending model principles and interpreting results according to the logical framework of the CGE model.

On the morning of 12th November, Dr Chang Shiyan, Associate Professor from the Institute of Energy, Environment, and Economy at Tsinghua University, explained the Energy Technology Models (ETMs). She provided a brief overview of the Operations Research principles serving as the theoretical foundation for the ETMs, summarized the overall modeling process of bottom-up energy system models, and offered detailed insights into essential modelling aspects such as Reference Energy System (RES) and foundational energy data. Using the TIMES model as an example, she demonstrated the model's operational process, aiming to provide students with a clear and intuitive understanding. In conclusion, Dr Chang summarized the future development directions of bottom-up models, providing valuable insights for subsequent related research.

On the afternoon of 12th November, Dr Wang Tianpeng, Assistant Professor from the Institute of Energy, Environment, and Economy at Tsinghua University, introduced the Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs). He outlined the representative definitions of IAMs and explained the operational principles by dissecting the DICE model. He then presented the Cost-Benefit Integrated Assessment Models (CB-IAMs) and the Detailed Process Integrated Assessment Models (DP-IAMs), highlighting the significant applications of IAMs in areas such as the societal cost of carbon. Building on this foundation, Dr Wang summarized the developmental progress and future trends of IAMs. Additionally, he concluded key research questions and challenges in the IAMs field, drawing from recent research conducted by his team.

In the end, Dr Su Bin, Division Head in the Energy Studies Institute, National University of Singapore, summarized the 3E model training workshop. He emphasized the significant value of research in energy, environmental, and economic models for the government, academic community, and businesses. He underscored the importance of guiding modelers through training to enhance their researches, also shared the preparations and plans for future model training activities.