The Complete Data Management Solution for Energy System Models
Veda 2.0 is a powerful data handling system for The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System (TIMES) β a bottom-up optimization model for energy-environment systems. Support for additional models like OSeMOSYS and TEMOA is currently in development.
Built with C#.NET and PostgreSQL, Veda 2.0 runs natively on Windows and can operate on Mac via Windows emulators.
- What is Veda 2.0?
- Key Components
- System Requirements
- Installation
- Post-Installation Setup
- Quick Start
- Licensing
- Legacy Versions
- Documentation
- Troubleshooting
- Support
Veda 2.0 is designed around three core principles:
- Data-Driven Workflow: Excel-based templates connect to a robust PostgreSQL database, enabling version control, multi-user collaboration, and data validation
- Transparency: Complete visibility into model structure, data transformations, and GAMS code generation
- Efficiency: Streamlined workflows from data entry to results visualization, reducing time from hours to minutes
For detailed philosophy and architecture, see the Introduction.
- No Excel Dependency: Microsoft Excel is no longer required for Veda operations (v3+)
- PostgreSQL Backend: Robust database replacing Access for better performance and scalability
- Modern Architecture: C#.NET application with web-based interface
- Enhanced Visualization: Advanced charting including Sankey diagrams
- GAMS Engine Integration: Cloud-based model runs and distributed solving
- Improved Performance: Faster synchronization and result processing
Read more about key enhancements.
Veda 2.0 provides a comprehensive toolkit for TIMES modeling:
- Navigator
- Hierarchical browsing of model structure with scenario management, data filtering, and synchronization. The Navigator is your central hub for model exploration.
- VEDA Tags
- Powerful Excel-based templating system for defining technologies, commodities, and parameters. Learn about VEDA Tags and transformation rules.
- Browse & Items Detail
- Explore model elements with detailed parameter views and relationships. See Browse and Items Detail.
- Run Manager
- Submit model runs, manage GAMS execution, and organize output files. The Run Manager supports batch processing and GAMS Engine integration.
- Results & Reports
- Import optimization results and create custom visualizations with interactive charts and Sankey diagrams. Explore Results and Reports.
- Model Info
- Access TIMES attributes, VEDA tags reference, and model metadata. See Model Info.
Veda 2.0 runs on Windows portables, desktops, servers, and VMs with Windows 8 / Windows Server 2012 or above.
Note
Starting from version 3, Microsoft Excel is no longer required for Veda operations. However, all input data still resides in Excel files.
The configuration below is suitable for typical TIMES models:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 4 cores (Standard/Advanced) | 8β16 cores for larger models |
| RAM | 4β8 GB for Veda | 32 GB (accommodates GAMS for large models) |
| HDD | 500 GB free space | 1 TB for Veda and GAMS files |
For complete requirements, see Hardware/software requirement.
There are two ways to set up Veda 2.0:
| Method | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Localhost (Recommended) | Most users | Easy upgrades, retain previous versions |
| Installer | Clean system installation | Traditional setup experience |
Important
Two versions cannot run concurrently. Close the application before launching a different version.
Download prerequisites
Download and install prerequisites
- .NET Framework 4.8
- Visual C++ Redistributables (2015-2022 and 2017)
Download Veda 2.0
Extract and configure
- Extract to your preferred location
- Grant full read/write permissions to the folder
Open firewall port
# Run as Administrator netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Veda 2.0 Localhost" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=65001
Download installer
Prepare installation folder
- Create a folder where you wish to install
- Grant full read/write permissions
Run the installer
Execute the setup file and follow the prompts.
Open firewall port
# Run as Administrator netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Veda 2.0" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=65000
π For detailed step-by-step instructions with screenshots, see the installation guide and watch the installation video.
GAMS (General Algebraic Modeling System) is required to run TIMES models. After installing Veda 2.0:
- Install GAMS (version 24.8 or higher recommended)
- Configure GAMS path in Veda 2.0 settings
- Verify solver licenses (CPLEX, CBC, or other supported solvers)
For complete GAMS setup instructions, see Setting up GAMS.
Regular backups are essential for protecting your model data:
- Backup: Export Veda database and Excel files regularly
- Restore: Import from previous backups when needed
- Version Control: Track changes and rollback if necessary
Learn more about Backup and Restore procedures.
Localhost Version: Simply extract the new version to a different folder. Keep previous versions available.
Installer Version: Run the new installer, which will upgrade the existing installation.
See Updating for detailed upgrade procedures.
After installation:
- Launch Veda 2.0 from the installation directory
- Obtain a trial license β Request trial license
- Load a sample model or import your existing TIMES model
- Explore the tutorials β Watch on YouTube
Next Steps
- Review the Start Page components and workflow
- Learn about Navigator for model management
- Understand VEDA Tags for data templates
- Explore the Run Manager for model execution
For migrating from legacy Veda-FE/BE, consult the Migration Guide.
Veda 2.0 offers flexible licensing options:
- Trial License: 60-day full-featured evaluation
- Academic License: Discounted rates for universities and research institutions
- Standard License: Single-user professional use with multi-core support
- Advanced License: Enhanced features with collaboration and reports support
- Multi-User/Department (MUD) License: Team licenses with concurrent user management
For complete details on licensing, pricing, and regulations, see:
- Licensing overview
- Pricing structure
- License Agreement terms
- License Operations guide
To activate or manage your license, see Activate/Deactivate License.
Previous major versions are available for users who need them:
| Version | Release Type | Download |
|---|---|---|
| v4.2.1.0 | Latest stable (19 Oct 2025) | v4.2.1.0 |
| v3.2.2.0 | Final v3.x release (17 Nov 2024) | v3.2.2.0 |
| v2.20.2.1 | Final v2.x release (18 Dec 2023) | v2.20.2.1 |
| v1.255.1.1 | Final v1.x release | Available in Older versions folder |
For complete release history with changelogs, see Version History (50+ releases documented).
Comprehensive documentation is available at veda-documentation:
Getting Started
| Introduction | Philosophy, architecture, versions, and pricing |
| Getting Started | Installation, GAMS setup, backup/restore |
| License Operations | Activate, deactivate, and manage licenses |
| Migration Guide | Migrating from Veda-FE/BE to Veda 2.0 |
Core Features
| Navigator | Model browsing, scenarios, and SYNC operations |
| VEDA Tags | Excel templating system and transformation rules |
| Run Manager | GAMS execution, batch runs, GAMS Engine |
| Results | Result import and visualization |
| Reports | Custom charts and Sankey diagrams |
Additional Resources
| πΊ Video Tutorials | Complete YouTube playlist with step-by-step guides |
| π Veda Users Map | Global community of Veda users |
| π Version History | Detailed changelog for all releases |
| π Notes | Best practices and Veda conventions |
If you encounter problems, consult the Troubleshooting guide:
- Deadlock Detected: Database locking issues
- Excel Exceptions: Excel integration problems
- GAMS Engine Credentials: Configuration errors
- PostgreSQL Issues: Database installation/uninstallation
For uninstallation, see Uninstallation and Uninstalling Postgres.
Need help? Multiple support channels available:
| π Documentation | Complete user guide and reference |
| π₯ Video Tutorials | YouTube playlist |
| π Bug Reports | GitHub Issues |
| π¬ ETSAP Community | IEA-ETSAP Forum |
| π Data Privacy | Privacy Policy |
| π License Terms | License Agreement |
For commercial support, training, and consulting services, contact KanORS-EMR.
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