How to calibrate 2020 outputs (Power system & Final Energy) in a model with 2015 base year?

[Daifei-Huang]

I am working with a version of GCAM where the model calibration year is set to 2015. I am currently attempting to calibrate the model's outputs for 2020—specifically for electricity generation (whose fuel mix in 2020 is much different from those before 2020) and final energy consumption—to match historical statistical records.

I have two specific questions:
1. Currently, I am manually adjusting share-weights, running the model, checking the results against my 2020 targets, and repeating the process. This manual iteration is time-consuming. Is there a more efficient or automated way to calibrate? Are there specific parameters other than share-weights I should prioritize for this type of adjustment?
2. If I adjust share-weights to force a match for 2020, should the 2020 adjustments be carried forward/interpolated in future periods (2025, 2030, etc.), or should I let the model dynamics take over from the 2020 state without further manual intervention?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

[hassaniazi]

Setting up calibration for a year more recent than the model's final base year is like updating the base year. Updating the base year is a big undertaking.

In the absence of doing a full-fledged base year update, your approach works, but you may want to target sectors/technologies of interest to your study.

Alternatively, and more importantly, we recently updated the base year to 2021 in version v8.0. You can use that instead.

Lastly, 2020 was avoided on purpose to avoid an anomalous year (with the COVID dip) as the starting point for future projections.