Work

Analysis of the competition between land, energy and food using the TERRA module of WILIAM System Dynamics IAM

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) are computational tools used to explore energy futures and sustainable transitions. This paper presents the WILIAM-TERRA model, a novel platform for analyzing the interactions between land, food, energy and the environment. WILIAM-TERRA is integrated in the Within Limits Integrated Assessment Model (WILIAM), a new open-source model that has been designed to address several limitations of existing IAMs. WILIAM-TERRA explores the energy transitions, both from the point of view of the sinks (climate change) and from the point of view of the resources (biofuels, forests and solar electricity). Additionally, is focuses on the ecological transition of the food system including dietary changes, sustainable agriculture and regional food exchanges. These features provide a broader scope than the traditional emissions-based approach of most IAMs, enabling a more systemic analysis. Some results of the interaction of diet policies with forest and cropland expansion, of the effect of wood extraction in forests integrity and of the carbon capture in grasslands have been presented. These results represent only a small sample of what can be analysed with WILIAM-TERRA and should be further explored in the future.

Source: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115651

Authors: Margarita Mediavilla, Mohamed Lifi, Noelia Ferreras-Alonso, Luis Javier Miguel, Ignacio de Blas

Institutions: Universidad de Valladolid, Universidad de Burgos, CARTIF

Language: English

Topic: Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Life on land, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,220