Construction of the Energy Social Accounting Matrix for Ireland

A Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) represents the basis of a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model in terms of data. The matrix presents a snapshot of the economy for a given period of time, usually one year. This paper provides details concerning the data collection process to construct a SAM for the Ireland Environment, Energy and Economy (I3E) model. Due to the energy focus of the I3E model, the SAM is extended to construct an Energy SAM (ESAM). The ESAM includes several energy sectors and commodities and their concomitant carbon emissions. To this end, several data sources are used to disaggregate already available sectors and commodities into subsectors.