SAPIENT: Systems Analysis for Progress and Innovation in Energy Technologies

A key feature of the SAPIENT approach is the elaboration of a meta-model (ISPA), which will explore the links between policies related to R&D (public and private) and the benefits from technological progress. Not only ISPA but also large-scale models will be used to evaluate the consequences of policy on energy demand and supply, the state of the environment and the economy. The role of ISPA will be, based on the findings of the large scale models, to explore a domain of optimal R&D strategies in a context of uncertainty (i.e. incorporating notions of hedging) and in the presence of multiple objectives as is appropriate when considering public sector participation in R&D initiatives.
The main objective of PSI's contribution is the development of compact and integrated models, named MERGE-ETL and ERIS-2FLC, which will incorporate the main mechanisms of ISPA into the optimal growth (MERGE) and energy system optimization model ERIS. The aim is to concurrently use ERIS/MERGE for the policy analysis purposes of the project.

• S.Kypreos
• O.Bahn
• L.Barreto

Barreto, L. (2001). Technological Learning in Energy Optimisation Models and Deployment of Emerging Technologies, Ph.D. Thesis, Nr. 14151, ETH Zürich, Full document (1.7MB), Abstract(0.3MB)

Kypreos, S. (2000). The MERGE Model with Endogenous Technological Change, Economic Modeling of Environmental Policy and Endogenous Technological Change Workshop, November 16-17, Amsterdam