MARKAL-TIMES models need a huge amount of data on energy technologies to run (e.g. energy efficiency, lifetime, GHG emissions, investment and operation costs). Because MARKAL-TIMES models analyze and project the evolution of the energy system over time, data projections are also needed for each energy technology that is represented in the model.

ETSAP E-TechDS is an Energy Technology Data Source that offers consistent sets of data on energy demand and supply technologies to help analysts to build their own MARKAL-TIMES model. To put data in the right context, E-TechDS is conceived as a series of Technology Briefs, which provide basic information on process, status, performance, costs, potential and barriers for key energy technology clusters. Each brief consists of typically 5 to 10 pages including Highlights, full text and charts, and a summary data table.

The ETSAP Briefs are intended to offer essential, reliable and quantitative information to energy analysts, experts, policymakers, investors and media from both developed and developing countries.

Since September 2011, ETASP E-TechDS is working in cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to develop and update Briefs on renewable energy technologies.