MARKAL – MACRO
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MARKAL, short for MARKet ALlocation, is a computer-driven, dynamic
optimization model that uses upwards of 10,000 equations and constraints to
foster strategic energy planning. By integrating energy, environmental, and
economic factors, the MARKAL model provides energy system solutions to
support national planning and policy decisions.
The MARKAL model identifies costs and benefits of alternative energy
scenarios for the future. It also estimates the relative merits of specific
technologies that can be applied in an energy system.
Originally sponsored by DOE and the International Energy Agency, the
MARKAL model was developed at BNL for energy-system modeling and analysis in
the late 1970s. The model now has widespread international acceptance, with
more than 40 countries using it to analyze a broad range of issues in energy
planning and environmental policy formulation. Current applications now
include performing environmental analyses using MARKAL and international
workshops on its use are regularly offered.
Current versions of MARKAL run on a PC Windows platform and offer greatly
expanded analytical capabilities. MARKAL’s success stories include the
following:
- DOE’s Office of Policy used MARKAL as the primary tool to analyze
the impact of the Kyoto Protocol on the U.S. energy system.
- The Office of Energy Efficiency is using the model to evaluate new
technologies and energy programs.
- The Energy Information Administration selected the model for
generating the annual International Energy Outlook, beginning in 2002.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses MARLKAL as part of a
comprehensive program to study the benefits of greenhouse gas mitigation
on the emission of certain pollutants.
- MARKAL’s international outreach program includes modeling activities
with Greater China [Mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong], India, and other
developing countries.
- BNL’s MARKAL team has develop a world-linked MARKAL modeling system,
which examines issues involving greenhouse gas emission trading — an
effort sponsored by the International Energy Agency.
- An inter-American MARKAL modeling system to assess cooperative
energy programs for sustainable development in the Americas BNL staff
members have in depth analysis and assessment experience. BNL's MARKAL-MACRO
team members developed the model initially and continue to make
improvements. The team has supported many policy analyses that have had
significant impact on energy planning and policy. BNL staff works with
experts from around the world to maintain and expand on this experience,
to update the MARKAL-MACRO database, and to facilitate its continuing
use for national and global planning.
Last Modified: March 18, 2008
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