Model linking for low-carbon transitions: Technical and conceptual challenges and best practices

Linking existing models to extend energy system and integrated assessment analysis is an increasingly common practice. Despite this, and unlike in the field of environmental and earth sciences, little attention has so far been paid to the details of it, to the trade-offs involved and the way in which the model linking affects the interpretation of the outcomes of the interlinked model system. Our aim in this paper is to first focus on a set of key technical and methodological problems that are common in model linking and suggest how these could be approached in different model linking contexts. We then further explore how model linking may affect the nature of the knowledge produced, and how this should be considered in the model linking process. Reflecting our literature driven assessment of the issues and possible solutions, we compile “a check list” to assist in the process of decision making for model linking.This research is funded by the Horizon Europe European Commission Project ‘IAM COMPACT’ (grant no. 101056306). Several of the authors have also been supported by other Horizon Europe European Commission Projects; ‘DIAMOND’ (grant no. 101081179), ‘EU-CHINA BRIDGE’ (grant no. 101137971), ENTICE (grant n. 101184775) and ‘TRANSIENCE’ (grant no. 101137606). AH was supported by the Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) program. CCG is funded by UK aid from the UK government. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are those of the authors alone. We also thank the two reviewers for their careful reading of our paper, and for the constructive feedback they provided