Trainings

IEA-ETSAP training activities support both new and experienced users in developing their knowledge of TIMES and strengthening their energy system modelling skills. This page provides information on upcoming training courses, as well as learning resources such as the pre-evaluation test and self-paced training materials. These resources offer a structured pathway to build confidence, deepen technical expertise, and apply TIMES effectively in policy-relevant analysis.

IEA-ETSAP Trainings

IEA-ETSAP offers structured training courses at introductory, intermediate and advanced levels, covering the full modelling workflow with its TIMES model generator and user interfaces.

Information on basic trainings

Basic trainings, offered at least twice a year in person alongside ETSAP’s semi-annual workshops, introduce new users to the TIMES modelling framework and provide hands-on practice with VEDA-TIMES for building and running models. Online versions of the basic trainings are also offered throughout the year, depending on demand. Groups of potential participants may additionally request in person special sessions in different parts of the world by contacting George Giannakidis with their interest and expectations.

Tosato Grant !

Since 2017, ETSAP has offered the Tosato Grant to support trainees from less developed countries in attending ETSAP trainings and workshops. Funding decisions are made by the Project Head (George Giannakidis) and the Operating Agent (Kathleen Vaillancourt), based on requests and availability of funds. Interested applicants should email a short description of their scientific interests and how they plan to use ETSAP tools.

Participation rules and fees

For Contracting Parties

Each training is free of charge. A minimum of five seats are reserved for Contracting Parties, with a maximum of three seats per Contracting Party. Access is managed through a discount code provided by the Project Head (George Giannakidis) to ETSAP delegates, who select the trainees.

For non-Contracting Parties

The following training fees apply per person per course:

  • Companies €1800
  • Institutions €1500
  • University Staff €850
  • Private persons €850
  • Students €300

Payment is only possible through PayPal.

Cancellation policy for all:
  • Training fees are non-refundable.
  • For free seats, cancellation is requested at least one week before the training.
  • A “no-show” without notice will results in the Contracting Party being excluded from the next two training sessions.

Information on intermediate and advanced trainings

Intermediate and advanced trainings are available upon request for participants who wish to explore specialised model features, build large-scale multi-regional models, or deepen their skills in advanced scenario analysis. Please contact us for more details.

Upcoming trainings

For any inquiries, please contact the appropriate person below:
Mr. Maurizio Gargiulo for technical matters and Dr. Kathleen Vaillancourt for administrative matters.

* From November 2026, a pre-training evaluation test is required to attend any the basic training. A certificate is provided after the successful completion of the test and needs to be submit at training registration.

 

The next planned trainings are:

  • September 21-23, 2026 , online, 02h00 PM – 06h00 PM (CEST)
    Registration is open. The agenda is available here.
  • November 11-13, 2026 , online, 09h00 AM-01h00 PM (CET)
    Registration is open. The agenda is available here.
  • November 30-December 2, 2026 , in person (Paris, France), 09h00 AM-04h30 PM (local time)
    Registration is not open.

TIMES pre-training (introductory)

Build foundational knowledge of TIMES prior to participating in TIMES training programs and workshops

This self-paced TIMES pre-training package introduces key prerequisite concepts related to energy system analysis, energy system modelling, energy balance and the Reference Energy System (RES), concepts of optimization, and an overview of the TIMES approach through short video lectures. Accompanying slide decks are provided for reference. An evaluation test is also provided to test the participants’ understanding of the concept covered in this pre-training.

© 2026 [IEA-ETSAP]. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.


Videos and slide decks

  1. Introduction and agenda (02:10)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  2. Energy system analysis (10:07)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  3. Energy system units and conversions (05:41)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  4. Energy system modelling (07:51)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  5. Building an energy system model (09:56)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  6. Energy balance and the Reference Energy System (09:54)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  1. Concepts of optimization (10:13)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  2. Introduction to TIMES modelling (09:24)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  3. Economic rationale of the TIMES model (11:14)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  4. Other features of TIMES – nonlinearity, foresight, and competitive markets (06:41)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  5. TIMES model components (04:00)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck
  6. Scenario modelling using TIMES (06:29)
    Link to video, Link to slide deck

Evaluation test

This test is designed as an evaluation of the participants’ understanding of the concepts presented in the TIMES pre-training. The test comprises 34 multiple choice questions, and the estimated duration of an attempt is 45 min – 1 hour. Unlimited attempts are allowed. Participants will be emailed a certificate of completion upon achieving a passing grade of 100%. This certificate must be submitted to the trainer before proceeding with the TIMES-VEDA training program.

TIMES pre-training evaluation

TIMES-VEDA online self-paced training

An online self-paced TIMES-VEDA training program that teaches participants how to build, run and analyze results of a TIMES model using the VEDA software, through a series of demo models, instructional videos, and casebooks with guided exercises

This online self-paced TIMES-VEDA training program package contains three modules of instructional video lectures and associated demo models that introduce concepts of building, running, and analyzing results of a TIMES model using VEDA. Accompanying slide decks for each module are provided for reference. The demo model files, results dashboards, and self-assessment packages used in each module are attached. A troubleshooting module is also provided for basic debugging practices and tips. 

© 2026 [IEA-ETSAP]. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

 

Installation instructions

The installation instructions for VEDA and GAMS are located in this section.
TIMES-VEDA installation instructions

 

Suggested learning path

  1. Complete the TIMES online pre-training video sessions prior to the TIMES-VEDA training program.
    • Establishes a strong foundation of key energy system analysis,  modelling and optimization concepts with a focus on key TIMES concepts, philosophy and features
  2. Complete the TIMES online pre-training test.
    • Assesses the knowledge of concepts from the TIMES online pre-training video sessions through an online quiz format 
    • Certifies the participant to attend the TIMES-VEDA training based on a minimum passing grade
  3. Attend the TIMES-VEDA training.
    • Introduces various TIMES modelling features and capabilities in a step-by-step manner
    • Links concepts to the demo models for practical understanding
    • Introduces practical scenario modelling including taxes, subsidies, emissions caps, market share constraints, policy constraints, and relative share constraints
  4. Complete the hands-on and guided exercises using the TIMES-VEDA training exercise casebook designed for each module of training.
    • Assesses the ability to perform various aspects of TIMES modelling including building and making changes to a model, adding context through limits, policies, subsidies and taxes, and various user constraints
    •  Assesses the ability to model different scenarios in TIMES, and analyze key results including emissions trajectories, electricity capacity and generation mixes, competing technologies for different energy services, and fuel consumption trends. 
    • Assesses the ability to understand key ideas of TIMES modelling features and capabilities at each step of the training
    • Serves as a self-check for understanding with links to TIMES Documentation for further exploration
  5. Watch the videos and consult the annex for troubleshooting exercises designed to tackle common warnings and errors obtained during practical TIMES modelling.
    • Provides participants with demonstrations of practical TIMES-VEDA modelling issues, and guidance on how to resolve errors

General guidelines for participants

  1. Rewatch the pre-training video sessions before the TIMES-VEDA training program begins, to ensure maximum retention of basic concepts. 
    • These pre-training video sessions will be available to the participants even after passing the pre-training test. 
  2. Consult the slide decks for each module to follow along the training. 
  3. Complete the guided exercises in the casebooks for each module to enhance understanding of concepts introduced. 
  4. Perform all the modelling exercises using the demo models provided for each module. 
  5. For the self-paced video training, we recommend that each module is completed on separate days, to emulate the pace of the in-person/live online sessions and enable the participants to grasp the concepts in a more structured manner. We also recommend that the participants rewatch the videos multiple times, pausing as necessary, to ensure maximum retention of the concepts introduced in each module.
  6. In case of any model errors, or broken model links, we recommend that the participants re-download the materials and start from scratch.

Module 1

This module covers a recap and introduction to TIMES-VEDA modelling and presents the broad storyline of the training. Various aspects of TIMES modelling pipeline using VEDA are presented through a simple demo model. The module trains participants on the basic pipeline of how to run a TIMES model and analyze key results, reviewing the energy chain and competing nodes in the energy system.

Links

Slide deck [ Self-paced slides_Mod1 ] (.pdf)
Demo model [ ETSAP_demo_D01 ] (Folder)
Results dashboard for demo model [ Mod1_Demo_Results ] (.xlsx)
Casebook [ Casebook_01 ] (.pdf)
Casebook model (1) [ ETSAP_casebook_01 ] (Folder)
Casebook model (2) [ ETSAP_casebook_01_HGN ] (Folder)
Results dashboard for casebook models [ Casebook_01_Results ] (.xlsx)

Videos

  1. Recap: TIMES model components (03:49)
  2. Module 1 demo model context (06:04)
  3. Setting up an energy balance (07:19)
  4. Introduction to VEDA (03:36)
  5. VEDA overview: Start Page (02:10)
  6. VEDA overview: Navigator (07:38)
  7. VEDA overview: VT files (supply – ELC, PRI) (11:11)
  8. VEDA overview: VT files (demand – RSD) (05:48)
  9. VEDA overview: SubRES files (02:22)
  10. VEDA overview: Demand & Trade files (02:13)
  11. VEDA overview: Scenario files (06:00)
  12. VEDA overview: Items Detail (07:55)
  13. VEDA overview: Items List and Browse (07:36)
  14. VEDA overview: Run Manager (05:06)
  15. VEDA overview: Results (10:01)

Module 2

This module trains participants on building and modifying a TIMES model, and applying simple rules and policies encountered in practical energy systems modelling exercises. Various aspects of applying these rules and policies using VEDA are presented through a demo model. The module trains participants on imposing limits, bounds, taxes and subsidies on various processes and commodities in the energy system.

Links

Slide deck [ Self-paced slides_Mod2 ] (.pdf)
Demo model [ ETSAP_demo_D02 ] (Folder)
Results dashboard for demo model (carbon emissions cap) [ Mod2_Demo_Results_CapTOTCO2 ] (.xlsx)
Results dashboard for demo model (solar subsidies) [ Mod2_Demo_Results_SubSOL ] (.xlsx)
Casebook [ Casebook_02 ] (.pdf)
Casebook model [ ETSAP_casebook_02 ] (Folder)
Results dashboard for casebook models [ Casebook_02_Results ] (.xlsx)

Videos

  1. Module 2 demo model context (05:03)
  2. Using scenario files to add or edit attributes (06:07)
  3. Adding a cap on carbon emissions (07:51)
  4. Running the model with a cap on carbon emissions (12:18)
  5. Adding a subsidy on solar technologies (05:10)
  6. Running the model with a subsidy on solar technologies (10:24)

Module 3

This module covers intermediate aspects of controlling market and technology choices in a TIMES model through user constraints. Various aspects of applying these constraints using VEDA are presented through a demo model. The module trains participants on imposing real-world policy, market and technology constraints, and analyzing the effects of these constraints on the energy system results.

Links

Slide deck [ Self-paced slides_Mod3 ] (.pdf)
Demo model [ ETSAP_demo_D03 ] (Folder)
Results dashboard for demo model (market share constraint) [ Mod3_Demo_Results_MarSha ] (.xlsx)
Results dashboard for demo model (absolute constraint) [ Mod3_Demo_Results_Abs ] (.xlsx)
Results dashboard for demo model (relative fuel share constraint) [ Mod3_Demo_Results_RelSha ] (.xlsx)
Casebook [ Casebook_03 ] (.pdf)
Casebook model [ ETSAP_casebook_03 ] (Folder)
Results dashboard for casebook models [ Casebook_03_Results ] (.xlsx)

Videos

  1. Module 3 demo model context (05:11)
  2. Building constraints in TIMES (11:58)
  3. Building a market share constraint (05:14)
  4. Running the model with a market share constraint (11:39)
  5. Result analysis with a market share constraint (05:19)
  6. Building an absolute constraint (04:24)
  7. Running the model with an absolute share constraint (08:01)
  8. Result analysis with an absolute share constraint (05:30)
  9. Building a relative share constraint (04:23)
  10. Running the model with a relative share constraint (10:41)
  11. Result analysis with a relative share constraint (06:34)

Troubleshooting

This module presents guidance on practical troubleshooting tips and debugging common errors in a TIMES model. Various aspects of identifying and treating different errors encountered in model input, run, and output phases are presented through a troubleshooting annex, as well as through video lectures for specific debugging practices.

Links

Troubleshooting annex [ Troubleshooting annex ] (.pdf)
Demo model (simulated error 1) [ ETSAP_demo_TS_Sync01 ] (Folder)
Demo model (simulated error 2) [ ETSAP_demo_TS_QA01 ] (Folder)
Demo model (simulated error 3) [ ETSAP_demo_TS_Infeas01 ] (Folder)
Demo model (simulated error 4) [ ETSAP_demo_TS_Dummy01 ] (Folder)

Videos

  1. Synchronization log (05:41)
  2. Quality Assurance Check (QA_CHECK LOG) (08:21)
  3. Infeasibility (07:35)
  4. Dummy imports, ExRES (06:20)