Expanding TIMES model files with metadata for improved communication of input data and results

This ETSAP project introduces a structured metadata framework for TIMES models within the VEDA environment, enabling model documentation to be embedded directly in Excel input files. By allowing standardized metadata -such as data source, author, version, and comments- to be attached to technologies, commodities, and data values at multiple scopes, the framework significantly improves transparency, traceability, and collaboration. Demonstrated through a proof-of-concept using the TIMES Demo model, the approach addresses common challenges in data provenance, version control, and model governance, and provides a robust foundation for more transparent, maintainable, and trustworthy TIMES modelling across the ETSAP community.