Supporting climate policy with effective energy modelling: A perspective on the varying technical capacity of South Africa, China, Germany and the United States

Reliable climate policies need to be informed by a thorough understanding of the future evolution of energy systems using ‘energy models,’ and for effective policy response individual states need domestic energy modelling capacities. This perspective compares the energy modelling capacities of four case-study countries – South Africa, China, Germany, and the United States – using a simple but logical approach. The authors argue that although these high-carbon states fare relatively well in their energy modelling capacities, there remains room for improvement, and that a successful climate policy informed by energy models requires establishing strong, well-funded institutions to sustain energy modelling expertise, including the ability to structure and facilitate multidisciplinary teams of professionals.