This paper presents the findings of an early evaluation of the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change’s 2050 Calculator International Outreach Programme. The programme supported eleven countries to develop their own versions of the 2050 Calculator. Drawing on interviews with stakeholders who were involved directly and indirectly in the development of the 2050 Calculators, this paper evaluates the process of developing these tools in different national contexts and discusses the lessons learnt so far. The findings discussed include the original motivations for involvement and how these evolved through the project, and the process of stakeholder engagement. The latter was expected to be a key benefit of the Calculator, and one which would open up debate about long term energy futures. While the teams developing the Calculators faced challenges, including data availability, political buy-in, and defining scenario trajectories, a flexible approach enabled countries to develop Calculators that were tailored to their national objectives and political environments. Overall, the 2050 Calculators have led to a wide range of benefits and there is ongoing commitment to develop new iterations and applications to use these Calculators to support planning of, and debate on, future energy and emissions trajectories
