ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a recent modelling exercise for Ireland where energy system modellers seek an optimal pathway to a low carbon future. It highlights the areas of weakness and strength in the traditional approach and highlight areas which benefit strongly from greater interactions with the social sciences. The chapter discusses the role of energy systems modelling in informing Ireland's low carbon transition, with a particular focus on the longer-term time frame. It focuses on Ireland, which already faces challenging climate and energy targets for 2020, and further interim targets to 2050 is agreed in the future. The chapter presents an evidence based analysis using the Irish TIMES energy systems model, a model of the entire Irish energy system that has been developed by the Energy Policy and Modelling Group in University College Cork. Compared to the values presented in the EU Roadmap, it shows that energy results are in line with those envisaged by the European Commission.
