It is usually applied to the analysis of the entire energy sector, but may also be applied to detailed study of single sectors, such as the electricity and district heat sector. Using these as inputs, the TIMES model aims to supply energy services at minimum global cost, or more accurately, at minimum loss of surplus, by simultaneously making equipment, investment, operating, primary energy supply and energy trade decisions by region. The scope extends beyond energy-oriented issues, to the representation of environmental emissions - and perhaps materials - related to the energy system. It is a model ofthe world's energy, land and food systems that allows users to explore options for reducing global emissions by 2050, and to see the climatic consequences of these choices by 2100. It is a free web-based interactive system and incorporates an Excel spreadsheet with an online interface (tool.globalcalculator.org).