CGE Modelling

NS-IGEM (Northstream Integrated General Equilibrium Model) is a next-generation, state-of-the-art Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model developed specifically for regional Australia, with disaggregation down to Statistical Local Areas (SLAs). It is purpose-built for advanced policy analysis, economic contribution assessments, and economic forecasting, providing granular and integrated insights across sectors and regions.

Core Capabilities

  • Regional Disaggregation to SLA Level
    Captures regional dynamics with unmatched resolution, enabling place-based economic analysis and forecasting.
  • Built on Regional Input-Output Tables
    Calibrated using detailed, up-to-date regional input-output tables that reflect the unique economic structure of each locality.
  • Multi-Sector, Multi-Region Integration
    Fully captures interlinkages across sectors and SLAs, including flows of goods, services, labour, capital, and resources.

Policy Applications

NS-IGEM has been applied to a wide range of policy areas, including:

  • Environmental and Climate Policy
  • Water Catchment and Basin Management
  • Resources and Mining Policy
  • Energy Market and Infrastructure Policy
  • Transport and Infrastructure Investment
  • Regional Economic Development and Resilience

Advanced Energy and Environmental Integration

A key strength of NS-IGEM is its detailed representation of:

  • Power and Energy Systems: Includes fuel switching, generation mix, emissions pricing, capacity constraints, and demand elasticities.
  • Environmental resources are treated explicitly.
  • Water Systems: Models catchment-scale availability, allocation, and pricing impacts.
  • Environmental Feedbacks: Integrates with biophysical and climate models to assess long-term impacts.
  • Transport and Infrastructure: Captures investment, congestion, and productivity effects.
  • GIS Integration: Fully compatible with geospatial datasets and regional mapping tools.

Model Reliability

  • Continuously Updated Datasets: Economic, demographic, and sectoral data are refreshed on a rolling basis.
  • Stress-Tested and Back-Tested: Model assumptions and outputs are validated against historical events and policy shocks.

Why NS-IGEM?

  • Designed for real-world policy relevance, not just academic use.
  • Combines economic rigour with practical tools for planners, policymakers, and industry.
  • Modular and extensible: New regions, sectors, and scenarios can be added with ease.