January 2012

National Starter Data Sets for LEAP

We have started releasing national level "starter" data sets for LEAP. These are designed to combine historical energy balance data provided by the the IEA with various other data sources such as emission factors from the IPCC, population projections from the United Nations, development indicators from the World Bank, non-energy sector GHG sources and sinks from the World Resources Institute and energy resource data from the World Energy Council. For information on data, methods and assumptions please see these Starter Data Set Notes. The purpose of these data sets is not to provide forecasts. Rather it is only to compile international data together in a consistent manner as a starting point from which developing country analysts can subsequently develop their own more detailed analyses. We have now created data sets for over 100 countries. Click here to find out if a data set is already available for your country. If not, you can register to request a data set and be notified by email when one becomes available for your country. Alternatively, you can click here to see the current list of countries for which data are available.

10th Annual Latin American Workshop on Energy Policy for Sustainable Development

The Institute for Energy Economics of the Fundación Bariloche (IDEE/FB) in Argentina has announced the dates for the 10th annual workshop on Energy Policy for Sustainable Development and Use of the LEAP Modeling System. The workshop is designed for energy and environmental professionals from from a variety of circles: private sector, government ministries, and non-governmental organization. The content of the workshop will be split into two segments: week one will focus on the basic concepts of energy planning and energy scenario analysis and week two will be devoted to an intensive LEAP training session. More information.

Massachusetts Sets Targets to Cut Carbon Emissions in 2020

In compliance with the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) of 2008, Massachusetts has set statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions limit for 2020 and released the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020 which details how the Commonwealth will comply with that limit.  The limit has been set to 25 percent below 1990 levels, the maximum authorized by the GWSA.  The target and reduction plan are built on a series of analyses developed for Massachusetts by a team including SEI and using SEI’s LEAP energy planning software.  For more information please see this story in the New York Times.

New LEAP-Related Applications Described on the Applications Page

The applications page now includes descriptions of additional applications that make use of LEAP.   They include:

• The Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). LEAP is now being used by the State of Massachusetts to develop a new energy and climate mitigation plan for meeting its ambitious 2020 and 2050 goals for GHG reductions.
   
  
• CASINDO: CApacity development and strengthening for energy policy formulation and implementation of Sustainable energy projects in INDOnesia.  A collaboration between eight Indonesian partners and the Dutch Governmentfor building capacity among national and regional agencies for energy planning.
   
  
• Europe’s Share of the Climate Challenge: A major new report by SEI that analyzes how Europe can embark on a domestic transition to a low GHG future, while meeting its international obligations to assist the world’s developing nations do the same. Main report, summary and press materials available here.
  
  

• A CO₂ Neutral Copenhagen by 2025: The Danish consulting company, RAMBOLL, used LEAP to help create a plan for the city of Copenhagen to become CO₂ neutral by 2025. This formed the basis for Copenhagen setting a target of a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2015 compared to 2005 and for becoming first capital in the world to be completely CO₂ neutral by 2025.

• China Economics of Climate Change: a technical analysis by SEI of how China’s energy systems might be altered over the coming four decades to allow China to meet its development goals while making a transition to a low GHG future.
   
  
• MEDEC: Low-carbon Development for Mexico: A new study by the World Bank that evaluates the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Mexico over the next 20 years.
  
  
• New Zealand’s EnergyScape: An initiative of the New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) designed to help its citizens understand the flow of energy in New Zealand.