Input Overview

Description

The following table lists the key input files used in the EPM model, along with a brief description and their structural dimensions. These files define model parameters, energy demand, supply data, constraints, and trade settings.

In addition, we provide a template to document the sources for each dataset used in EPM. This ensures clear traceability and consistency in the presentation of information across all inputs.

File Name	Description	Dimensions
Configuration Files
pSettings.csv	Global model parameters and settings.	5 sections
y.csv	List of model years.	1 column
zcmap.csv	Maps zones to countries.	2 columns
Resources
ftfindex.csv	Fuel-to-fuel indices.	3 columns
pTechData.csv	Technology parameters.	Multiple columns
pFuelCarbonContent.csv	Carbon content by fuel type.	2 columns
Load Data
pDemandProfile.csv	Demand profiles over time.	Multiple columns
pDemandForecast.csv	Forecasted demand.	Multiple columns
pDemandData.csv	Historical demand data.	Multiple columns
pEnergyEfficiencyFactor.csv	Energy efficiency factors.	2 columns
sRelevants.csv	Relevant scenarios.	1 column
Supply Data
pGenDataExcelCustom.csv	Custom generation data.	Multiple columns
pGenDataExcelDefault.csv	Default generation data.	Multiple columns
pAvailabilityCustom.csv	Custom generation availability.	Multiple columns
pAvailabilityDefault.csv	Default generation availability.	Multiple columns
pVREgenProfile.csv	Renewable energy generation profiles.	Multiple columns
pVREProfile.csv	Renewable variability profiles.	Multiple columns
pCapexTrajectoriesCustom.csv	Custom CAPEX trajectories.	Multiple columns
pCapexTrajectoriesDefault.csv	Default CAPEX trajectories.	Multiple columns
pFuelPrice.csv	Fuel prices (historical/forecasted).	Multiple columns
Constraints
pCarbonPrice.csv	Carbon pricing.	2 columns
pEmissionsCountry.csv	Emissions per country.	Multiple columns
pEmissionsTotal.csv	Total emission limits.	Multiple columns
pMaxFuelLimit.csv	Maximum fuel usage limits.	Multiple columns
Reserve
pPlanningReserveMargin.csv	Reserve margin requirements.	2 columns
pSpinningReserveReqCountry.csv	Spinning reserve per country.	Multiple columns
pSpinningReserveReqTotal.csv	Total system reserve requirements.	Multiple columns
Trade
pExtTransferLimit.csv	External transfer limits.	Multiple columns
pMaxExchangeShare.csv	Max energy exchange share.	Multiple columns
pNewTransmission.csv	New transmission projects.	Multiple columns
pTradePrice.csv	Energy trade prices.	Multiple columns
pTransferLimit.csv	Transfer capacity limits.	Multiple columns
zext.csv	External zone definitions.	1 column
pLossFactor.csv	Transmission loss factors.	2 columns
Hydrogen (H2)	No specific files listed.

Main changes

This update restructures how input data is provided to improve clarity and flexibility. All input data is now organized in CSV files, replacing the previous single Excel file. While the content is mostly unchanged, some usability improvements were introduced for modelers.

Default data

For certain input types (e.g. generation data, seasonal availability, capex), the model now distinguishes between:

• xxDefault.csv: provides default values by zone, technology, and fuel.

• xxCustom.csv: allows for custom entries that override defaults when needed.

How it works:

Case	What happens
Field missing in Custom	Value from Default is used
Field present in Custom	Value overrides the Default

For example: If pAvailabilityDefault.csv sets a default availability for coal in South Africa, and you do not specify a value in pAvailabilityCustom.csv, the default will be used. If you do specify one, it takes priority.

⚠️ Important Notes

• Required fields: For pAvailabilityDefault.csv and pCapexTrajectoriesCustom.csv, missing values for any combination of zone, tech, and fuel may cause errors. This is described in the Troubleshooting section below.

• Optional fields: For generation data pGenDataExcelCustom.csv (e.g., Capex, vOM), missing values default to zero in GAMS, with no error.

✅ Recommended Workflow

• Copy the default files from the provided test folders (data_test, data_test_region).

• Adapt them to fit your model’s zones, technologies, and fuels.

• Ensure all zone/tech/fuel combinations you need are covered in at least one file (Default or Custom).