• Analytical approach: Top-down, general equilibrium
• Purpose: Scenario analysis
• Methodology: Optimization
• Deterministic
• Regions: Switzerland and other main economies regions (defined according to study, up to 20)
• Sectors: Defined according to study (up to 30)
• Dynamic
• Time horizon: 2008-2050

• Developer: EPFL
• Contact: Marc Vielle

GEMINI-E3

GEMINI-E3 (General Equilibrium Model of International-National Interactions between Economy, Energy and the Environment) is a multi-country, multi-sector, recursive computable general equilibrium model. The model is specifically designed for the analysis of climate change and energy policies. The model is a global one, as the future evolution of the Swiss economy obviously depends on the world economy, and is built on the GTAP database and the Swiss input-output table.

The standard model is based on the assumption of total flexibility in all markets, both the macroeconomic markets such as the capital and the exchange markets (with the associated prices being the real rate of interest and the real exchange rate, which are endogenous), and the microeconomic or sector markets (goods, factors of production). For each sector, the model computes the demand for its production on the basis of household consumption, government consumption, exports, investment, and intermediate uses. Total demand is then divided between domestic production and imports, using the Armington assumption. Under this convention a domestic product is distinguished from an imported product of the same industry. Production technologies are described using nested Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) functions.

In this model, time periods are linked through endogenous real interest rates that equate savings and investment. Capital is not mobile across regions. National and regional models are linked by endogenous real exchange rates resulting from constraints on foreign trade deficits or surpluses. GEMINI-E3 is recursive dynamic, with backward looking (adaptative) expectations. The model computes also emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O and fluorinated gases).

Since 20 years, GEMINI-E3 has been used extensively to simulate national and international climate policies, more than 20 scientific publications have been done using GEMINI-E3 (see http://gemini-e3.epfl.ch/). GEMINI-E3 was involved in several EU projects and in the Energy Modeling Forum. GEMINI-E3 has recently been extended to analyse adaptation strategies to alleviate impacts of climate change on health, energy sector, agriculture, water and coastal zones and islands.

Model inputs

• Social accounting matrices
• Energy balance sheets
• GHG emissions database
• Power plant capacities
• Elasticities
• Population

Model outputs

• Macroeconomic aggregates (GDP, imports, exports, consumption, ...)
• Welfare
• International trade matrices
• Production, demand and price by sectors
• Exchange rates, CO2 prices (tax or/and permits)
• Energy consumption in toe
• GHG emissions in CO2-eq