Search

Hydrogen, as a clean and efficient energy source, is important in achieving zero-CO 2 targets. This paper explores the potential of hydrogen geologic storage (HGS) in China for large-scale energy storage, crucial for stabilizing intermittent renewable energy sources and managing peak demand. Despite its promise, HGS faces challenges due to hydrogen's low density and viscosity, and its complex interactions with geological formations and microorganisms. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the current research status for HGS, with a particular focus on highlighting the main challenges confronting China. These difficulties and challenges primarily arise from complex geological conditions and the absence of fundamental parameters within potential reservoirs, including depleted oil/gas fields, salt caverns, and brine aquifers. Additionally, we have synthesized the current applications of machine learning (ML)as a potential solution. Key challenges are examined, such as the effects of operational parameters (e.g., cyclical injection-production and injection rates) on HGS efficiency, which can influence phenomena such as hydrogen fingering and caprock integrity. This review also looks into the insufficiently understood hydrogen-water-rock geochemical reactions under diverse temperatures and pressures, a gap that hampers the development of predictive numerical simulations and raises concerns about hydrogen leakage due to changes in porosity and permeability. Additionally, the paper addresses the limited knowledge about the metabolic mechanisms of subsurface microorganisms under extreme conditions, highlighting potential risks of hydrogen leakage and groundwater contamination. These microorganisms can metabolize hydrogen, producing gases such as CH 4 and H 2 S, which may cause steel corrosion. Furthermore, the study assesses the distribution and prospects of three primary methods for pure hydrogen storage in China, considering the current state of hydrogen development and relevant government policies. The role of ML in advancing HGS is also discussed, offering insights into future research directions. This review not only scrutinizes the scientific challenges of HGS but also underscores its potential, guiding future simulation and practical engineering applications in this field. • HGS is feasibility in China through policy examination and potential site analysis. • Geochemical and microbial reactions jeopardize to reservoir integrity and H 2 quality. • Elucidating the present application and future prospective for ML in HGS. • Summarizing the key challenges associated with achieving large-scale HGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical transmission hubs in global supply chain networks have great potential to reduce carbon emissions, yet this has not received much attention from existing studies. This research combines the structural path betweenness, an extended structural path analysis, and a multi-level modularity optimization algorithm to identify key transmission sectors, paths, and carbon communities in a global supply chain network using the environmentally extended multi-regional input-output analysis. The results show that (1) China's metal industry, power industry, and non-metallic industry are the most crucial transmission centers, and some sectors, such as the paper industry and textile industry in China, are also key transmission hubs, yet they are ignored by traditional accounting methods. From a national viewpoint, China is the most key transmission hub, and its high betweenness is mainly caused by domestic demand. Meanwhile, the CO 2 emissions transferred by China to satisfy foreign demand are mainly related to the US, ROW (especially the Asia-Pacific region), and Japan. (2) The transmitted carbon emission is mainly concentrated in the first four production layers, accounting for 69.46 % of the total. (3) The global carbon emission network can be divided into 20 carbon communities. And the largest communities are mainly led by mainland China. Most of the communities contain various national sectors, which offer evidence for international cooperation strategies. The results offer policymakers a new perspective on mitigating environmental stress. [Display omitted] • Critical sectors having higher betweenness are identified from a global level. • Key supply chain paths causing the high betweenness are identified. • Some critical carbon communities in the global carbon emission network are detected. • An extended structural path betweenness is proposed to find key supply chain path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative emission technologies driven by nature with less energy input, lower costs, and long carbon storage capacities are essential for meeting ambitious global carbon mitigation goals. This paper evaluates the carbon sequestration potential of bivalve shellfish farming because its sequestration process is driven by nature, and it is cost-effective and energy efficient. The carbon in shells and the carbon that enters sediments via bio-deposition are long-lived forms of carbon. Using China as a case study, a preliminary estimation suggests that the carbon sequestration efficiency and intensity of cultivated shellfishes are much higher than those of artificial forests. In China, approximately 6.23 Mt CO 2 -eq a−1 was fixed via net carbon sequestration during shellfish growth from 2015 to 2019. In addition, the farmed shellfishes provided 0.37 Mt of harvested protein, and approximately 37.39 Mt CO2-eq a-1 were reduced compared to the same amount of protein provided by beef, and thus, shellfish farming has the win-win benefits of carbon sequestration and high-quality food provision. More importantly, a total of 5.64 Gt CO 2 -eq, accounting for 17.63% of the total emissions in 2020, can be potentially sequestrated at the global scale under the world's largest farming area scenario. • A Negative Emission Technology via shellfish farming was introduced. • Carbon sequestration function and efficiency of shellfish farming were investigated. • Carbon sequestration potential for bivalve shellfish farming was evaluated globally. • Life cycle GHG emissions of shellfish farming in China was assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquavoltaic is an essential tool in overcoming the ground-based photovoltaic (PV) development barrier and achieving China's carbon neutrality target. After summarizing aquavoltaic technologies and global cases, this paper assesses the effectiveness of 292 aquavoltaic plants in China using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method. Six essential input and output variables are included: installed capacity, power generation, occupied water area, construction cost, PV modules, and global horizontal irradiation to offer an appropriate measure of aquavoltaics efficiency in China. This study also performed correlation analysis for PV module type, PV mounting mode, and ownership based on a Tobit regression model. The results show that the efficiencies of China's aquavoltaics have improved significantly between 2014 and 2022, with the emergence and popularity of high-power PV modules playing a pivotal role. Furthermore, the regional study discovered provincial efficiency varies substantially. This paper also gives two reference indicators for new aquavoltaics in the future. • The global aquavoltaic technologies and cases were summarized. • The history and status quo of aquavoltaics in China were reviewed. • Aquavoltaics' energy efficiency has increased significantly in China. • The high-power PV modules have a positive impact on efficiency growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction sector is a key actor in fighting climate change. A clear and comprehensive accounting of its carbon emission responsibility is the basis for effective emission mitigation actions. The intersectoral and interregional trade of the construction sector complicates emission responsibility allocation. Neglecting such trade flows or measuring them from a single perspective may cause the sector's emission status to be misinterpreted. Hence, based on the environmentally extended multiregional input-output model, this paper establishes the construction sector's multiprinciple emission responsibility accounting framework and conducts multiple accounting for China's construction sector. The emission distribution and transfer across regions and sectors are systematically revealed, and various accounting principles, regional clusters, and corresponding policy implications are compared and discussed. The results show significant differences in the emission responsibilities of the construction sector under different principles, indicating that the choice of principles will greatly affect the determination of responsibility and corresponding policy priorities, which requires careful consideration. The emission responsibilities in different regions also have notable heterogeneity under each principle and are further clustered into three main emission patterns, suggesting that classified and targeted emission mitigation strategies should be adopted. The emission transfer analysis demonstrates that the construction sector is a typical end-of-chain sector with high emission-pulling effects on upstream industries and tiny emission-pushing effects on downstream industries, resulting in varied incentive impacts under each principle. Overall, this study contributes extensive insights into the emission responsibility of the construction sector, supporting common but differentiated emission reduction targets and policy settings. • A multiprinciple carbon accounting model for the construction sector is developed. • The emission distribution and transfer across regions and sectors are explored. • Accounting principles, emission patterns, and policy implications are compared. • Great disparities under various principles alert multiperspective strategy setting. • Regional heterogeneity in emissions emphasizes differentiated mitigation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of carbon neutrality, renewable energy, especially wind power, solar PV and hydropower, will become the most important power sources in the future low-carbon power system. Since wind power and solar PV are specifically intermittent and space-heterogeneity, an assessment of renewable energy potential considering the variability of wind power and solar PV with high temporal resolution in different regions will facilitate more accurate identification of the decarbonization pathway of power system. In this paper, the complementary output potential of wind-solar-hydro power every 15 min in 31 Chinese provinces is evaluated by developing a multi-objective optimization model based on Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II. The results show that the total annual complementary power generation potential in China is 17.57 PWh, of which the three components account for 47.8%, 25.3% and 26.9%, respectively. Inner Mongolia and Tibet are the major renewable energy source provinces with annual complementary power generation potential of 5330 TWh and 3907 TWh, accounting for 30.3% and 13.7% of the total power generation potential, respectively. The temporal potential of wind-solar-hydro power varies greatly, with daily potential is more volatile than monthly. Seasonal and spatial heterogeneity of the complemental renewable potential makes some provinces suffer power shortage during long-hours period especially in winter. Our findings will encourage a higher penetration of renewable energy, the promotion of multi-energy complementarity, and the development of inter-provincial power transmission and energy storage infrastructure in China's future power sector. • A multi-objective wind-solar-hydro complementary optimization model is developed. • Electricity supply and demand have gaps at different temporal and spatial scales. • Wind-solar-hydro complementary potential shows great temporal and spatial variation. • Renewable complementarity can improve China's future power system stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study utilizing carbon tax revenue to the renewable energy generation with Learning-by-doing (LBD) in the CGE model. This investigation demonstrates how induced technologically change (ITC) in the power sector offsets negative impacts on economic growth caused by the carbon tax in China. Business-as-usual scenario (without carbon tax) shows a significant impact of LBD on GDP growth and CO 2 emission reduction. Under a policy scenario with carbon tax, the results show that the negative impact on economic growth can be alleviated to less than 0.12%. If total carbon tax revenue was used for the subsidy to wind and solar power, even a positive impact on GDP growth will occur in the long-term. Therefore, the results verified and demonstrated the synergic effect of carbon pricing and the LBD process that economic loss caused by carbon tax could be offset by ITC in the renewable energy power sector. GDP decomposition shows that unexpensive electricity affected by ITC is beneficial to drive development of low-carbon energy, which can mitigate shock of carbon tax on heavy dependence on fossil fuel. This paper also provides policy implications that the LBD process will positively play a key role in energy structural shift under climate policy, making a great effort to climate mitigation. [Display omitted] • Combining bottom-up CGE model with top-down module Learning-by-Doing. • Utilizing carbon tax revenue to subsidy to renewable energy generation. • Providing optimistic impacts of carbon tax and subsidy on economic growth and reduction of carbon emission. • Learning-by-doing describes pathway of improved renewable energy. • Giving implication that Learning-by-doing can be boosted by environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a non-Arctic country and a major energy consumer, China is increasingly interested in participating in Arctic energy development. This study aims to investigate potential strategies to promote China's participation in Arctic energy development. Accordingly, this study analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of China's participation in Arctic energy development based on a discussion of the current status of Arctic energy development and the Arctic policies of major countries. In addition, this work develops strategies in accordance with the above analysis. The results show that China has strengths in terms of capital, energy demand, policy support, and international cooperation when participating in Arctic energy development, while its weaknesses include the lack of core technology and equipment, high carbon intensity of energy development, and geographical disadvantage. China faces opportunities stemming from conflicts among Arctic states, the advancement of global carbon neutrality, and the development of Arctic waterway while facing threats such as increased competition, international public opinion pressure, high development costs, environmental risks, and pandemic instability. Under an integrated framework, this work offers four strategies: Strength-Opportunity (SO), Strength-Threat (ST), Weakness-Opportunity (WO), and Weakness-Threat (WT). Finally, this study proposes specific measures in four areas, including strengthening policy support, promoting technical research and development, enhancing international cooperation, and improving enterprise competitiveness. [Display omitted] • This study examines China's participation in Arctic energy development. • This paper reviews the status of fossil and non-fossil energy in the Arctic. • This study compares the Arctic energy development strategies of major countries. • This study proposes four strategies, namely SO, ST, WO, and WT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to its high resource predictability and power density, tidal current energy has garnered extensive attention worldwide, from both academia and industry, in the past decade. Currently, China is also accelerating the development of tidal current energy because of the abundant tidal current resources along the country's highly populated southeast coasts. The objective of this development is to meet the increasing power demands for coastal cities, islands, and various maritime applications. The tidal current energy conversion systems in China have undergone rapid technological advancements in the past ten years, particularly after the deployment of several large-sized tidal current turbines. Although several review papers have covered the evolution of tidal current energy converters (TCECs) in China since the 1980s, a comprehensive update of the past decade has not been systematically reported, which might be of significant interest to researchers, developers, and investors worldwide. In this paper, we present the state-of-the-art TCEC technological developments in China in terms of scale, efficiency, reliability, and other innovations. Their technology readiness level and problems are also discussed. It is found that TCEC development in China has been diverging toward two different directions: large-sized turbines for grid connection and small-scale turbines for diverse applications in marine environments. Finally, we present the current challenges and future trends of TCEC advancement in China. • Existing tidal current energy converters in China are reviewed. • Development trend of large-scale equipment and diversified applications is analyzed. • Challenges and suggestions for the tidal current energy technology are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the proposal to achieve carbon neutrality by the mid-21st century, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) as a critical negative carbon technology is receiving extensive attention and concerns around the world. Under this context, the development of CCUS and relevant literature both have been experiencing an upsurge. However, the actual scale of CCUS is still far behind our expectations, especially, the various risks and uncertainties associated with its deployment planning have not yet been addressed clearly. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of model-based CCUS deployment pathways toward carbon neutrality, as well as the associated risks of financial, technical, environmental, health and safety (EHS) aspects. On this basis, we scrutinize the potential challenges that could lead to the pace of CCUS deployment inconsistent with the need to achieve a carbon-neutral target. The results suggest that the "Golden Age" of CCUS deployment lies from 2040 to 2060 in the world, while 2030–2050 for China. Furthermore, we found that inadequate exploration in geologic storage capacity also creates a critical conundrum for CCUS deployment and optimization, apart from typical challenges including high failure rate of projects, the lack of financial support and market stimulus, as well as incomplete regulation framework and risk-sharing mechanism. Lastly, this paper points out the further potential research direction, followed by policy implications and recommendations. • A comprehensive reference for CCUS deployment towards carbon neutrality is presented. • We discuss possible risks or uncertain factors for altering CCUS deployment paths and planning layout. • Future needs to improve geological storage exploration and estimation are highlighted. Further potential research direction and policy implications for CCUS are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficient buildings can facilitate the achievement of sustainable development goals. However, higher investment costs are not conducive to the development of energy efficient buildings. It is not clear whether the energy efficiency of buildings (EEBs) bring price premiums that could offset the incremental costs of adopting green practice. In this paper, a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is constructed that takes into account the differences in regional and urban size to measure the EEBs in 54 cities of China during 2007–2018. We evaluate the influence of EEBs on price premiums by using fixed effects regression. We then adopt a moderated mediation model to explore the impact of industrial structure and the regional economic development level on this premium effect. The empirical results show that the cities' EEBs is gradually improving, due to the fact that the level of technical progress in residential construction is rising. A 1% increase in house energy efficiency causes price premiums of 0.583%. Moreover, this premium effect is more obvious in cities with a high proportion of tertiary industries and economically developed areas. Considering energy consumption in household heating, the housing prices expectations were pulled down in heating cities, while the situation was reversed in non-heating cities. This study provides companies and governments with scientific evidence to promote EEBs. • Measuring the energy efficiency of buildings (EEBs) on housing prices is needed. • A 1% growth of house energy efficiency causes price premiums of 0.583%. • This premium effect is more obvious in cities with a high proportion of tertiary industries. • This premium effect is more obvious in cities with economically developed areas. • The housing prices expectations were pulled down in heating cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews urban heat (UrHT) challenges following the SBAR (situation, background, assessment and recommendation) framework. The results indicate that heatwaves become more frequent, lasting and intense, especially after 1990s. Above 1960s level, heatwaves across China doubled in both magnitude and frequency by 2018. Jianghuai and Southern China underwent the largest magnitude and most widespread increases. Under 1.5 °C warming limit, the average heatwave days and duration across China will increase by 10.8 days and 3.9 days. Drought–heatwave co–occurrence is increasingly frequent at 7–11%/decade (from 1961 to 2018) and the co–occurrence leads to more intense heatwaves. UHIs are a common issue for almost all Chinese cities and UHIs have been aggravating annually. Daytime UHIs peak in summer, indicating the synergies with heatwaves. The synergies are prominent in southeastern cities for strong summer daytime UHIs in eastern cities and intense heatwaves in southern regions. UrHTs have not been recognised and there are no dedicated/mandatory plans. Mega–challenges of climate change, rapid urbanisation, carbon– and labour–intensive economic growth and demographic changes can potentially lock China into UrHT challenges. Addressing UrHT challenges is urgent in China not only for environmental, ecosystem, social and health consequences, but also for economic impacts relevant to labour, capital, and goods or services. Efforts are suggested in technical improvement, policy formulation, social participation, economic investment and co-benefit approach recognition. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of heat–related challenges in China and can guide the creation of cool cities and communities in practice. [Display omitted] • Almost all cities in China are under the impacts of urban heat islands. • Heatwaves and urban heat islands can synergise, especially in Southeastern China. • China has not well recognised urban heat challenges and no dedicated plan. • UrHT affects economic productivity by affecting outputs, labour, capital and goods. • UrHT may drive population migrating out the extreme heat areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing transformation of the world's energy system requires detailed power-system models that help plan a cost-effective and reliable integration of variable renewables and demand-side resources. The quality and depth of the results of these models depend on the existence of trustworthy, complete, and high-resolution data on extant electric power assets and the demand they serve, wind and solar resources, and projections on costs and performance of technologies that could be developed during the next three decades. This paper assesses the quality of China's power system's publicly available data compared to the U.S. It concludes that despite growing use of power system models to inform and analyze Chinese energy policy, the availability of necessary data is still a significant barrier that severely limits the transparency, replicability, relevance, and usefulness of their results. • Ongoing energy system transformation requires detailed power-system models. • Usefulness of models' results depends on reliable, complete high-resolution data. • Paper proposes criteria to assess the quality of publicly available data for models. • Publicly available data for China's electric power system is scant and low quality. • Filling data gaps will inform decisions for a sustainable electric power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investing in energy efficiency is considered to be an effective way to reduce the carbon emissions. However, the resulting CO 2 savings may be partially or totally offset by the rebound effect (RE). This paper goes beyond the traditional energy RE to investigate the rebound effect as related to CO 2 emissions, aims to explore the direct CO 2 rebound effect (CRE) in urban households at the provincial level. To achieve the objective, this study uses IPCC carbon emissions accounting method, then proposes an elasticity approach and constructs an individual fixed-effect variable coefficient panel data model. The results show that the total CO 2 emissions from household energy consumption were rising in most provinces during 2002–2017. The purchased electricity and heat CO 2 emissions are growing faster than combustion CO 2 emissions. Regarding the magnitude of the CRE, there are three types of direct CRE among urban households in China: the backfire effect, partial rebound effect and super conservation effect. Overall, the average direct CRE in urban households is 59.90%; specifically, the western region has the highest direct CRE (90.92%), compared with the eastern region (52.84%) and central region (24.88%). The government should take into account the CRE of households, in order to avoid overestimating the carbon reduction. Attention should also be paid to the differences between provinces when formulating energy policies. The analysis above helps local governments to formulate effective energy policies to promote households' carbon emission reduction. • This paper proposes an elasticity method for estimating CO 2 rebound effect. • The carbon emissions from household energy consumption are calculated. • There are three types of direct CO 2 rebound effect among urban households in China. • The average direct CO 2 rebound effect in urban households is 59.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the uneven distribution of renewable resources and electricity load centers in China, renewable energy usually needs to be delivered a long distance from the generation base to the load center. However, wind power and photovoltaic (PV) have to be bundled with flexible resources, such as thermal generators, to compensate for the generation uncertainty and variability. Concentrating solar power (CSP) is a controllable generation technology, and it is receiving great attention in the northwest China to be constructed in the 100% renewable energy generation base. This paper proposes a generation portfolio optimization model of a 100% renewable energy base supported by CSP. Firstly, a flexible operation model of CSP based on the interval theory is proposed. Then, a coordinated operation strategy of a 100% renewable energy base organized by CSP, wind power, PV and also energy storage is formulated. On this basis, a generation portfolio optimization model is established with the target of minimizing an extended levelized cost of energy (LCOE) considering the transmission cost. A case study of 100% renewable energy base in Qinghai Province, China, is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model. It is depicted that CSP plays an important role in the cost-effective portfolio and can be a better alternative to the combination of PV and storage. For the 100% renewable energy base in Qinghai, the LCOE with an optimal CSP, PV, wind, and storage combination is 0.5785 CNY/kWh, which is 20.3% lower than the case without the installation of a CSP station. • Building a 100% renewable energy generation base with a CSP, PV, wind, and storage combination. • A planning model with the target of minimizing an extended LCOE considering transmission cost. • A coordinated operation strategy of a 100% renewable energy base considering CSP's flexibility. • The LCOE of a 100% renewable energy base can drop 20.3% when equipped with CSP in Qinghai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the decline in the intensity of subsidy policies, technological progress has become a critical factor in promoting the renewable energy industry's sustainable development. This paper estimates the direction and extent of biased technological progress in China's renewable energy industry from 2009 to 2018. On this basis, by constructing an accounting model for the growth rate of total factor productivity (TFP), this paper empirically analyzes the effects of different factors on TFP growth. The research results indicate that: (1) The TFP of China's renewable energy industry has dropped by 4.60% annually, and the growth of industrial output mainly relied on factor input rather than technological progress. (2) The technological progress and factor allocation of China's renewable energy industry generally show a bias towards the capital. At different stages of the industry's development, it presents different degrees of bias. (3) Technological progress is biased towards capital factor with a lower growth rate of factor efficiency, which hinders the growth of TFP in the renewable energy industry. • This paper reveals the driving mechanism for the development of China's renewable energy industry. • The technological progress and factor allocation of China's renewable energy industry are biased towards the capital. • Capital inefficiency is the fundamental reason for the reduction of TFP in the renewable energy industry. • Improving the level of independent R&D is the key to achieving China's renewable energy industry's sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has created the rapid development of the economy, but it has also negatively impacted the ecosystem. In China's affluent and innovative pearl river delta urban agglomeration (PRDUA), how to balance the relationship between economic development and environmental protection is related to the realization of local green development strategy. Consequently, to carry out green development more accurately and scientifically, the primary task is to conduct scientific research and judge the relationship among regional resources, environment, and economy. Therefore, it's of tremendous significance to study the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of the PRDUA, including resources and environmental factors. Combining the fixed Malmquist-Luenberger (ML) index and the slack based measure (SBM) model with undesirable output, this paper proposes a novel method, called slack based measure-Malmquist-Luenberger (SBM-ML) model, to measure GTFP. This method was used to measure the GTFP of the PRDUA from 2005 to 2018 and analyzes its changes from time and space dimensions. The results show that: from the perspective of time, the GTFP of all cities in the PRDUA increased in a wavelike increasing trend during the sample period, and the change of the annual average GTFP of the PRDUA can be roughly divided into four stages. From the perspective of space, the GTFP of Shenzhen has been at the top-level during the sample period. Meanwhile, the disparity of GTFP between cities in PRDUA becomes narrowing in the overall trend. Finally, according to the empirical results of the GTFP of the PRDUA, this paper puts forward targeted policy recommendations to facilitate greener development in the PRDUA. • GTFP of PRDUA region is measured by SBM-ML model combining ML index and SBM model. • GTFP of all cities in PRDUA increased in a wavelike increasing trend. • Change of the AAGTFP of PRDUA can be roughly divided into four stages. • GTFP of Shenzhen has been at the leading level during the sample period. • The disparity of GTFP between cities in PRDUA becomes narrowing in overall trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rising share of variable renewable energy, balancing market integration (BMI) has been advocated as a promising solution to achieve flexible resource sharing among different regions and enhance the flexibility of the overall power system. However, BMI can result in welfare transfers among regions, which may correspondingly give rise to resistance to integration. Therefore, an incentive mechanism to facilitate flexible resource sharing under BMI is designed in this paper. We first analyse the sources of the benefits of BMI and compare the influence of different market regulation approaches on the welfare transfer effect via a graphical method. Then, based on the Coase theorem, we design an incentive profit-sharing mechanism that is able to optimize the allocation of flexible resources and eliminate welfare transfers among regions to some extent to reduce possible resistance to integration. Case studies based on the three-region system and a realistic northwest power grid in China show that the balancing cost of multi-region systems can be respectively reduced up to 31% and 25%, and the utilization of flexible units can be increased by over 30% by BMI. Finally, corresponding policy implications for BMI are put forward; the proposed mechanism also provides a useful reference and insight for dealing with welfare transfers in interregional trading. • Balancing market integration results in welfare transfers among regions. • An incentive profit-sharing mechanism based on the Coase theorem is designed. • Balancing market integration benefits from imbalance netting and resource sharing. • Inappropriate market adjustment approaches may lead to efficiency loss. • The contribution rates of each region and transmission lines are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alignment between electricity market liberalisation and consumer participation is essential to improve market efficiency, increase system flexibility and support the transition to a low-carbon electricity system. However, consumer-side market participants, especially large energy consumers, remain passive actors in electricity markets and have little or no market participation strategy. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the alignment status between market liberalisation properties and industrial consumer participation criteria, and investigate the influence of market design and market intervention on consumer-side market participation. A multi-criteria market participation suitability evaluation is proposed for the examination and investigation of two electricity markets, the Nordic region and China. The results show that the more liberalised Nordic electricity market provides good participation incentives for cost savings but fails to address other criteria such as financial security or ease of adoption; the more regulated and less competitive submarkets in the Chinese market provide less opportunities for strategic cost savings but are easier to adopt and give consumers better long-term financial overviews. In general, market context strongly influences the preferred market type for consumer participation. Nonetheless, market intervention is essential to ensure consumer-side market participation, irrespective of the stage of liberalisation. The required amount of market intervention depends amongst others on the type of submarket, and the service it provides to the grid. The developed evaluation method is applicable to different electricity markets and industrial consumer types, and can be used by policymakers for market liberalisation design and by industrial consumers for market participation strategy planning. • Market parametrisation allows consistent evaluation of different market contexts. • Market liberalisation enables savings but complexifies participation. • Market intervention is necessary even in a liberalised market context. • The amount of market intervention needed depends on the submarket type. • Multi-market participation strategies can meet multi-criteria consumers' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particles emitted during braking account for a significant proportion of transport-related particles. The brake particles are still beyond supervision because no mandatory regulations were introduced to control the brake particle emissions. Many studies have been conducted about the brake particles, but the materials & methods used by these studies vary a lot, thus reducing the result comparability among these studies. This paper reviewed brake particle emissions from four aspects: experimental methods, emission characteristics, influencing factors, and future works. Six experimental methods corresponding to different application scenarios are summarized, and these methods require different modifications, skills, and expenses. Whatever the experimental methods, the sampling method needs careful design to reduce the particle transport loss and to ensure particle sampling efficiency. The reported brake particle emissions could exceed the sixth stage exhaust emission regulation (both EU and China), depending on the test procedures, friction materials, and data processing. The brake particle covers a broad size distribution (from a few nanometers to tens of microns), and more studies are needed about its physicochemical characteristics. The friction materials, system running-in, and friction temperature will significantly affect the brake particle emission characteristics, and these factors should be considered when designing the study procedure. The patterns about gaseous emission and non-brake particle emission need more attention, as these patterns might be helpful to understand the brake particle emission characteristics. Some filter&collection-based brake particle after-treatments have also been invented. Future studies should focus on the homogeneous test procedure, mechanism analysis, after-treatment, and non-airborne wear et al. • Different brake particle research methods were assessed. • Brake particle emission characteristics are summarized and compared. • Major factors affecting the brake particle emission are analyzed. • Future concerns for brake particle emission are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While large-scale photovoltaic is regarded as a water saving generation technology, it comes with direct water consumption and embodied indirect water consumption associated with the manufacture of system equipment and building materials during construction. However, few studies have quantified the water consumptive use for photovoltaic generation from a life cycle perspective. In this context, this paper carefully calculated the life cycle water consumption for large-scale photovoltaic power generation in China and identified the hot spots in its supply chain. The results show the life cycle water consumption per kW installed capacity of large-scale photovoltaic plants is 20,419 L. Photovoltaic panel production and the Balance of System together make up over 85% of the total. The application of recycling technologies to the photovoltaic system is promised to cut down the total water consumption by another 13%. Then the water consumption intensity of large-scale photovoltaic power generation in China is presented at the provincial resolution in the range of 0.45–1.52 L/kWh, which is significantly lower than that of current power generation in China. In addition, considering the power generation structure in China in recent years, the water saving potential under the maximum photovoltaic scenario in China during the year 2015–2017 could reach 3.75%, 4.04%, and 4.27% of China's national water supply. Finally, the regional water stress index is also introduced to explore the influence of water consumption on locally available water resources. This study could enable policymakers to better relate the development of large-scale photovoltaics to water saving strategies. • A more updated and comprehensive LCA study for PV water consumption is conducted. • Under the landfilling scenario, the water consumption of PV plants is 20,419 L/kWp. • Replacing China's electricity supply with PV brings water saving potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a renewable energy, wind power has been improving energy structures and assisting in the maintenance of strategic energy security. Based on provincial level panel data from 2000 to 2018, this paper developed models to evaluate the effects of different policies on newly installed wind power capacity and investigated the market reform influences on wind development in eight spot market pilots. It was found that on a national level, while the pricing and government guideline policies significantly promoted wind power growth, present market reforms were having an opposite effect. The results also suggested that from a resource endowment heterogeneity perspective, there was a significant difference in the wind capacity promotion policy performances. Additionally, of the eight spot market pilots, market designs had led to a significant reduction in new wind power installations in Gansu and Inner Mongolia, and no significant wind power development effects were found in the other pilots. Based on the research results, a discussion on policy use and suggestions on policy improvements are given. • Effectiveness of different representative wind power policies are examined. • The panel models are developed using data that covers 30 provinces over 2000–2018. • Policy effectiveness varies by policy types and wind resource levels. • The current market designs show little impact on wind power development. • Implications on policy use and improvement suggestions are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and communications technology (ICT) can significantly contribute to industrial energy conservation and emission reduction by improving production and management efficiency. However, few studies have analyzed the technical mechanisms nor quantified the effects of ICT in the industrial sector, hence, existing studies cannot fully support the technology promotion strategy. To overcome this research gap, a nationwide industrial ICT system is built for the first time. Taking China's iron and steel, cement, and coal-fired power industry as case study, this paper has adopted bottom-up modeling approaches to simulate the material and energy metabolism of industrial production process, divided ICTs into six types based on their application units, and then quantified their energy conservation and emission reduction potential. In addition, Conservation Supply Curves, Latin Hypercube Sampling, and HSY algorithm methods are used to analyze their technical performance. Results show: (1) The application of ICT has considerable effects, as it can enlarge the industrial energy conservation and emission reduction potential by 10.7–21.7% in the next 15 years; (2) The differences between the technical costs of ICTs are significant, meanwhile more than 70% of this potential is cost-effective; (3) Uncertainty factors will affect technical potential and cost by 4–15%, amongst which technical popularity is the most sensitive factor. These findings reveal the significant effects of ICT and put forward policy suggestions on their promotion strategy in industrial energy conservation and emission reduction. • This study builds ICT system at the industrial scale via bottom-up modeling. • The energy conservation and emission reduction effects of the ICT is quantified. • 70%+ of energy conservation and emission reduction potential is cost-effective. • Technical popularity is the most sensitive factor leading to the uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of how storage technologies coordinate with other power resources to deliver value for electricity market participants in compliance with climate policy will be vital as policy makers seek to decarbonize electricity generation in a cost-effective way. This paper adopts a game-theoretic electricity market model to evaluate the interaction between pumped hydro storage, electric vehicles, and climate policy under a range of assumptions regarding market power and ownership of generation and storage assets. Using data from the Chinese electricity market, it shows that climate policy may not incentivize storage utilization especially when firms that hold a dominant position in storage operation own a limited portfolio of generation assets. In addition, electric vehicles may not improve consumers' welfare in the presence of pumped hydro storage when perfect competition exists in the market. These results have significant implications for public policy. • A game-theoretic electricity market model is evaluated for China. • The interaction between storage, electric vehicles, and climate policy is studied. • Climate policy may not incentivize storage use depending on the ownership of assets. • The benefits of electric vehicles decline in the presence of pumped hydro storage. • Perfect competition may not always create the best choices for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerated decarbonization agenda around the world requires transforming the energy industry from fossil fuel-dominated to renewable generation-dominated, which necessitates deployment of energy storage on a significantly larger scale. As a potential alternative for the most widely adopted pumped hydro storage, compressed air energy storage (CAES) is recognized as a promising component of energy sectors. Although numerous studies on CAES have contributed to the improvement of technical readiness, there are few studies on cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate the role of CAES in urban integrated energy systems (IESs). To fill this gap, this paper proposes a planning-operation bi-level framework to evaluate the role of CAES in urban IES, and conducts an empirical study on a realistic urban IES of northern China. The cost-effectiveness of diabatic-CAES (D-CAES) and adiabatic-CAES (A-CAES) are compared in the empirical study. The results show that D-CAES can play an important role in urban IES and replace CHP as the core component to supply heat and power, reducing system overall cost and wind curtailment. The participation of D-CAES in the municipal heating sector is crucial to its superior role in urban IES. The role of A-CAES in the urban IES is relatively marginal in cases with low wind capacity and becomes more important with wind capacity increasing. • Operation characteristics of utility-scale D-CAES and A-CAES in urban IES are presented. • A planning-operation bi-level framework is proposed to evaluate CAES's role in urban IES. • Empirical study on an urban IES in northern China using real-life data. • D-CAES can be more cost-effective than A-CAES in urban IES with heating supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of carbon neutrality provides a new opportunity for the development of renewable energy, especially for wind power. In this paper, 11 regional climate models (RCMs) including CORDEX-EA and PRECIS at two different resolutions are used to evaluate the performance in simulating the spatio-temporal characteristics for wind speed and energy potential from 1981 to 2005. The results show that most models can reproduce the spatio-temporal patterns, and the simulation of the eastern region is better than that of the western region. Besides, most of the higher-resolution models had better simulation performance for spatial-temporal patterns and inter-annual variation. Then, the weighted multi-model ensemble is used to project the changes of the wind speed and the wind power density over China's mainland during the mid-21st century under the RCP8.5 scenario. In future, a decrease in wind speed is projected by most RCMs over China, although some regions, such as the southern parts of China, are projected to have more wind energy potential. The percentage variation of annual mean wind speed will remain in the range of ±4%. The wind power density will decrease in the north and the largest decrease will be found in the northwest. However, the annual mean wind power density in the southeast China will have an increase of 2.21% in the middle of this century. The inter-annual variation of the wind power density in most regions will increase by more than 20%. However, intra-annual variation in the wind power density is likely to decrease in most regions of China, ranging from about −20% to −50%. • A weighted multi-model ensemble was used to project the changes of wind power density over China. • The changes of annual mean wind power density vary in different sub-regions of China, ranging from −3.21% to 2.21%. • The inter-annual variation of the WPD in most regions will increase by more than 20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy (RE) trade disputes have been rising in response to certain green industrial policies, i.e., policy mechanisms used to develop domestic RE industries and accrue associated local economic benefits. Since 2011, countries have been increasingly filing trade litigations to counter the use of green industrial policies by their trading partners so that they can expand RE industry competitiveness and the associated manufacturing jobs within their own countries. However, in the absence of systematic studies on the impacts of RE trade duties, evidence regarding their success in achieving these economic goals remains limited. In this paper, the effectiveness of RE trade duties in supporting employment, especially in manufacturing, is assessed. First, the literature on the motivations behind RE trade duties is reviewed, and then the case of trade duties imposed by the US on the imports of solar and wind energy components from China between 2011 and 2019 is examined. Although several factors may drive employment, no evidence is found for the increase in jobs in solar and wind manufacturing in the years after the trade duties were imposed. Meanwhile, downstream jobs in installation, operation and maintenance continued to grow, corresponding to increases in annual installation of solar and wind capacity in the US. These were driven by policy incentives and the declining costs of solar and wind technologies. Overall, this case study highlights the broader implication that trade duties alone are unlikely to promote local manufacturing industries, and countries would benefit from other well-designed policies. • Renewable energy (RE) related trade disputes rising but studies examining effectiveness of trade duties limited. • Literature on the goals behind trade duties on RE components reviewed. • A framework developed to assess the relationship between RE trade duties and manufacturing employment. • Framework applied to examine the case of trade duties by the US on the imports of solar and wind energy components from China. • Trade duties not effective to develop local RE industries; other well-designed policies needed to increase local RE manufacturing jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster has rekindled the world's attention to nuclear safety following the devastating nuclear accidents that occurred in the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. As China continues to expand in nuclear power development, how it views and responds to nuclear safety carries significant implications on its nuclear safety and security in the future. This paper examines the Chinese authorities' response to nuclear safety pre- and post-Fukushima, based on (1) a longitudinal big-data discourse analysis of the Chinese newspaper articles published during the period 2008–2017, and (2) an in-depth comprehensive review of nuclear safety performance and safety governance based on credential and publicly available documents and websites, both locally and internationally. Our assessment reveals that (i) China's concerns over nuclear safety and accident surged immediately following the Fukushima crisis. Increasing attention towards nuclear emergency response has been observed since 2014, (ii) China has displayed strengths in reactor design and safety operation, and (iii) its safety governance has been constrained by institutional fragmentation, inadequate transparency, inadequate safety professionals, lack of a strong safety culture, amid its ongoing plans to increase nuclear capacity three-fold by 2050. To improve nuclear safety, China may further strengthen its safety standards, safety management and monitoring, improve institutional arrangements, increase the ratio of safety professionals, intensify its safety culture and transparency, develop process-based safety regulations, and champion international collaboration to keep itself abreast of the latest international best practices. • China's concerns over nuclear safety surged after the Fukushima crisis. • China displayed strengths in reactor technology design and safety operation. • China can benefit from better safety management culture, institutional integration and and and regulatory design, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an extensive review of experimental, numerical, and numerical-experimental studies focused on compiling different aspects that lead to improved PTSC performance using the different electronic base sources during the last four decades. Different applications and future research prospects have also been presented, guiding the researchers that focus on developing new working fluids, receiver configurations, applications, among other aspects for PTSC performance enhancement. Experimental studies reveal that the combination of nanofluids and turbulators leads to the best improvement in PTSC thermal efficiency, followed by the use of internal fins and nanofluids only. Numerical studies affirmed that fin inserts have a more significant influence on heat transfer than nanofluids, but its main drawback is that it has a cost increase of 5%. The dispersion of Cu and CuO in the base fluid showed a remarkable increase in the heat transfer coefficient than other nanoparticles. Therefore, they are the best options to improve the PTSC's performance. Numerical-experimental studies reveal that the tube with an internal annular porous combined with the nanofluid Al 2 O 3 /Synthetic oil showed the best increase in thermal efficiency with a value that varies from 8% to 15%. Electronic analysis of publications focused on improving the PTSC's performance shows that China participates with 25%, followed by India with 11%. The PTSC applications proved that it is ideal for electrical energy stability and less dependent on limited fossil fuel reserves. Furthermore, more experimental studies are required to mature nanofluids' application and new receiver tube configurations on an industrial scale. • Different ways to improve PTSC performance over the last 4 decades was reviewed. • Experimental and numerical studies to improve PTSC thermal performance are presented. • Nanofluids, PTSR, and numerical models are described with current challenges. • The use of nanofluids with turbulators is the best option to improve PTSC performance. • This review can help to identify the aspects to be considered in future developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate the climate change and reduce energy consumption, the Chinese government has applied a variety of polices during the last two decades. Based on data from Industrial enterprises emission and pollution database (IEPED) and Annual Survey of Industrial Firms (ASIF), this study takes Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Plan (ESER) since 2006 as a policy shock to explore the impact of the ESER on industrial firms' energy consumption behavior. The result shows: Firstly, ESER encourages industrial firms to consume less coal, petroleum and natural gas on average. Secondly, by dividing the firms into several groups by the ownership structure, the firm size and the firm age, this paper finds different firms have different strategies in terms of changing their energy consumption to respond ESER. For example, public firms work harder on reducing coal and petroleum consumption per production while private firms prefer to use more natural gas per production. Thirdly, the dynamic effect analysis portrays that traditional fossil fuel intensity declines immediately after energy conversation policy, while the negative effect on industrial firms' natural gas intensity could occur with some delay. Lastly, in terms of total energy consumption, average coal and petroleum consumption of polluted industries and that of non-polluted industries have no difference after the policy. In addition, ESER only has a short-term effect on energy consumption. These results are helpful in understanding how to design an efficient environmental regulation system and protect the environment simultaneously. • This study explores the impacts of the Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Plan (ESER) on firms' energy consumption behavior based on industrial firm data. • ESER encourages firms to consume less traditional energy (coal and fossil fuels) and clean gas. For different firms, their energy intensity changes distinctively in response to ESER. • The dynamic effect analysis portrays that traditional fossil fuel intensity declines immediately after energy conversation policy, while the negative effect on clean gas intensity occur with some delay. • ESER has a short-term and lagged effect on total energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry to alleviate the global energy shortage and environmental pollution has attracted much attention. An econometric model is established to investigate the influence of oil price on innovation in new energy vehicle technologies, based on the induced-innovation theory. Taking advantage of enterprise-level panel data, the method of individual-fixed effect estimation is employed to capture time-invariant enterprise attributes in the analysis. We found that oil price spurs innovation in NEV enterprise, when controlling the influences of other factors, which is consistent with the theoretical hypothesis. The effect is substantively significant and robust. Further study implies that increasing research and development expenditure is a channel to increase innovation for enterprises when oil prices raise. Our findings are helpful to policymakers who are trying to understand the heterogeneity effects of oil price on NEV innovation. This paper suggests that central government should provide relevant policies and incentives to deal with price shocks, and enterprises should also have long-term plans to promote continuous corporate innovation. • The innovation effect of oil price on the new energy vehicle industry is analyzed. • Oil price has a significant positive effect on corporate innovation. • Vehicle manufacturer innovation is more sensitive to oil price and fluctuation. • Innovation is reflected in the acquisition of utility model and design patents. • Oil price affects patent acquisition by affecting R&D expenditure and investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As it is the world's top exporter of goods and a carbon emitter, a reduction in China's embodied carbon emissions in exports (ECEE) can help reduce its total carbon emissions. In the post-2008 financial crisis era, the adjustment of the industrial structure has emerged as a powerful tool for reducing carbon emissions. However, it is unclear whether changes in China's production structure have reduced its ECEE and how production substitution affects this reduction. This paper proposes an approach based on a three-tier structural decomposition analysis (SDA) to evaluate the effects of production substitution on China's ECEE from 1997 to 2017. The results indicate that production substitution led to a reduction in China's ECEE whereas changes in production levels increased them. Furthermore, from 1997 to 2017, intra-group production substitution increased China's ECEE while inter-group production substitution reduced it. In the context of inter-group production substitution, the substitution of energy-intensive production with non-energy-intensive production is key to reducing China's ECEE. These findings provide a deeper understanding for how changes in the industrial structure and production substitution affect China's ECEE. • The effect of production substitution on China's ECEE is explored. • A three-tier SDA approach is developed to evaluate the effects of production substitution on China's ECEE. • Intra-group production substitution increased China's ECEE while inter-group production substitution reduced it. • Substitution of energy-intensive production by non-energy-intensive production is the key factor in reducing China's ECEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology is an essential component to decarbonize society and reach carbon neutrality. Its success depends on not only technological advances but also people's reaction to it. This study applied traditional content analysis to uncover the CCUS reporting landscape and employed the Socio-Political Evaluation of Energy Deployment (SPEED) framework to explore how different aspects of the CCUS value chain were discussed in Chinese newspapers. A total of 492 news items from November 21st 2002 to May 8th 2021 were identified and analyzed. Results showed that news coverage of CCUS technology in China started in 2005. The media explained the nature and sources of carbon dioxide (CO 2), framed CCUS by various terms, for example, " greengen " and " a clean energy technology ", as well as demonstrated various tones in CCUS. The analysis found 71.3% (N = 351) of newsletters took an affirmative stance towards CCUS. It was also revealed that environmental frames appeared in almost every article, while much less attention was paid to other issues. Moreover, this research demonstrated that CCUS-related policies were driving media coverage closely year by year. However, current news presentations were inadequate due to technical misperceptions and a lack of comprehensive coverage. Therefore, this research proposed a science-for-the-community communication strategy that involved several key factors such as policy guidance, newspaper functions at different levels, journalist training, direct engagement of the public as well as student education. • This paper pioneered to investigate Chinese newspaper coverage of CCUS technology. • The frequency of CCUS inclusion in newspapers was somehow affected by policies in China. • CCUS reporting revolved its emission reduction potential, and CCUS influences on health and safety issues were limited framed. • The current CCUS reporting landscape had misperceptions and lacked comprehensive coverage of the value chain. • A science-for-the-community communication strategy that can make media communication effective was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planning a portfolio that includes different power generation technologies is an important method to ensure expected value and to reduce risks for the project investment of electric-power enterprises. This paper evaluates the optimal investment portfolio strategies implemented by electric power enterprises by using real option and portfolio optimization methods. The real options method is used to generate investment values and their distribution. These serve as the input variables of the portfolio optimization model. The portfolio optimization model is built based on the conditional value at risk. The optimal investment is analyzed by considering four policy scenarios: different expected investment values, the phase-out of subsidies, tightened carbon reduction standards, and different initial renewable energy certificate prices. A case study is conducted to analyze the investment decision of an electric power enterprise in China. The results show the optimal investment portfolio strategy, the investment value, and the conditional value at risk. The optimal decision for ensuring a relatively high expected value while reducing risks is to increase the share of solar PV power generation and wind power generation in current conditions. Tightened carbon reduction standards and higher renewable energy certificates prices are conductive to increase the investment value, reduce the risk of loss and increase the share of renewable energy power generation. In contrast, the phase-out of the subsidies had the opposite effect. The methodology and results can provide a reference for investors to guide the formulation of the optimal investment decision and for the government to optimize the policy effect. • Evaluate the investment portfolio strategies of power enterprises under multiple-policy scenarios of renewable energy. • Use the real option and portfolio optimization method. • Show the optimal investment portfolio strategy, the investment value, and the conditional value at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the influence pathways of financial development on environmental quality is necessary for policy makers in China to improve the quality of the environment through financial means; however, these points have not been systematically discussed in the literature. Therefore, to fill this gap and depict these indirect influence pathways in regions with different financial development levels, this paper categorizes the Chinese provinces based on their financial development levels and a panel smooth transition regression model is used to analyze province-level data in China over the period from 2001 to 2017. The different indirect impacts of financial development on environmental quality through the pathways under different financial development levels are identified and the transformation speed of the intensity of these impacts can be determined. The results indicate that (1) financial development has significant indirect impacts on environmental pollution through various pathways, and the impacts of these pathways are different in the various regions with low or high levels of financial development. (2) In the regions with poor financial development, insufficient financial development could indirectly result in environmental contamination through the pathways that involve stimulating economic growth and promoting the development of secondary and tertiary industries. (3) In regions with relatively high levels of financial development, financial development has mixed effects on environmental pollution, i.e., improving environmental quality by promoting technological innovation and attracting foreign direct investment and decreasing environmental quality by supporting secondary and tertiary industries. Local governments should consider the different characteristics of regional financial development when formulating environmental protection policies. [Display omitted] • Influence pathways of financial development on environmental quality are discussed. • PSTR models with provincial data from 2001 to 2017 in China are employed. • Provinces are divided into different regimes based on financial development level. • Financial development decreases environmental quality by promoting economic growth. • Financial development increases environmental quality by supporting innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to mitigate global climate change and air pollution, the Chinese government has assigned high priority to expanding low-carbon power generation in China. Recent studies have shown that wind power is one of the most promising renewable energy option in China. Although many studies have estimated the generation potential of onshore wind power, their results vary widely from 1783 TWh to 39,000 TWh. Therefore, we examine the different assumptions in these papers and identify three main factors influencing the results. The three influencing factors are: weather data set, land utilisation factor, and wind turbine configuration. For our model-based analysis, we define a reference scenario which is used to compare the results. Our analysis shows using a different weather data set increases the generation potential to roughly 35,000 TWh. This is 54% higher than the generation potential of the reference scenario. The land utilisation factor also has a large influence, ranging between −10% and −51%. The studies' assumptions and data should be subjected to careful scrutiny, as the calculated wind power potentials are widely used to develop decarbonisation strategies for the energy system. • Study results on wind power potentials in China vary from 1783 TWh to 39,000 TWh • Influencing factors: weather data set, land utilisation, and wind turbine configuration. • Model-based sensitivity analysis with nine scenario settings. • Chosen weather data set has the highest impact on the calculated results with a variation of 54%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National climate targets must be decomposed into key areas to guide mitigation actions. This paper presents a comparative study of China's low-carbon transition pathways at the sectoral level under the nationally determined contribution (NDC) and 2 °C targets, using the energy system model and detailed sectoral information. The results show that each sector plays different roles in terms of emission trends, mitigation potentials, technology roadmaps, investment requirements, and mitigation costs. The power sector is expected to contribute around 50% of the total mitigation. The industry sector has better cost-effective performance, with high mitigation potential and low investment requirement. By contrast, the transport and power sectors account for around 90% of total investment demand. The building and transport sectors have substantial mitigation opportunities that can be realized through technologies with negative mitigation costs. Conversely, the industry sector faces challenges in promoting carbon capture and storage, which has the highest mitigation cost. Compared with the sectoral transition pathways under the NDC target, the 2 °C scenario requires a rapid near-term decarbonization of the power sector and additional emission reductions in end-use sectors. This decarbonization is possible through comprehensive deployment of advanced low-carbon technologies as well as measures that increase investments in low-carbon infrastructure and decrease investments in fossil fuel-based technologies in the power and transport sectors. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly understand the sectoral transition pathways under different climate targets in order to coordinate inter-sectoral actions and resources in a cost-effective manner. • A quantitative study of sectoral low-carbon transition pathways in China was done. • Sectors perform differently in emissions trends, mitigation potential, and cost. • The performance of each sector changes over time and based on climate targets. • Different climate targets imply different technology roadmaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although technological progress has greatly reduced energy use, the actual energy savings have always been lower than the potential conservations. This is known as the "energy rebound effect." This paper estimated energy rebound effects of China's fossil and non-fossil fuel consumption. Additionally, this study derived an improved approach for decomposition of energy rebound effects without presupposing production function forms. Results shows that the fossil fuel rebound effect was higher than the non-fossil fuel, which may be due to the heterogeneous impacts of technology on potential fossil and non-fossil energy savings. Furthermore, fossil and non-fossil energy rebound effects were both predominantly caused by the substitution effect instead of the output effect. Hence, vigorously improving non-fossil energy efficiency will help reduce the fossil energy rebound effect. • China's energy rebound effect (Re) was estimated for 1992–2013. • China's energy technology mainly centered on improving fossil energy efficiency. • Total Re was found to be dominated by fossil Re. • Total Re was further attributed mainly to the substitution effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicle development is critical to achieve the sustainable goals, while the hit of COVID-19 strikes the market and brings challenges to the whole industry. China, among one of the earliest regions affected by COVID-19 and takes a great part in the global electric vehicle market, is attracting growing attention on its post-pandemic trends in the electric vehicle industry. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 impacts on China's electric vehicle industry from both the demand side and the supply side. Both challenges and opportunities for China's electric vehicle development are revealed with emerging trend analysis. It is found that the COVID-19 outbreak has reduced electric vehicle sales in the short-term, but may also stimulate future electric vehicle demand especially for large electric cars with better performance. Meanwhile, travel restrictions caused by COVID-19 have interrupted electric vehicle material supplies that relying on imports, accelerating domestic substitute exploitation and inventory improvement for critical parts. Additionally, massive lockdowns for controlling COVID-19 have disrupted productions and operations, which tends to expel small brands out of the competitive market, concentrating China's electric vehicle industry to the leading brands. Finally, the social distancing trend after pandemic is bringing challenges to traditional EV distribution channels with dealers, pushing automakers to develop innovative online selling channels. These impacts are likely to lead to a reformation of China's electric vehicle industry towards a more advanced and reliable future. • Impacts of COVID-19 on China's EV market and supply chain are analyzed. • COVID-19 outbreak may shift consumer demand to large EVs with better performance. • Supply interruption by travel restrictions may promote domestic R&D and reserves. • Suspension caused by lockdown may expel SMEs and concentrate China's EV industry. • Post-pandemic social distancing may lead to innovative online EV selling models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has become the world's largest carbon emitter, and its commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030 is important for global development. The construction industry is one of China's biggest carbon emitters, and its peak has a direct impact on China's carbon commitment. Due to the regional heterogeneity of different provinces, the carbon emission of construction industry (CECI) at provincial level is of unique significance. To accurately predict the peak of provincial CECI, a prediction model was established by system dynamics, including direct CECI, indirect CECI and operational CECI. Taking Jiangsu province as an example, the single and multiple scenario settings with increasing R&D investment, promoting energy-saving buildings and implementing carbon trading from 2016 to 2030 was carried out, indicating that: 1) Without any carbon emission reduction measures, the CECI would maintain an annual growth rate of 5.58% to reach 530.61 million tons by 2030, and the indirect and operational CECI account for the majority of total with an average annual growth rate of 8.02% and 2.79% respectively. 2) All three measures had good carbon reduction effects, which would reduce the total CECI by 26.46% 21.68% and 10.68% respectively by 2030, but only when implemented simultaneously can CECI peak before 2030, 308.77 million tons at 2029. In the end, three policy implications was put forward. The framework presented in this paper provided a basis for the prediction of peak CECI in a province or state, which can help policy makers plan a more reasonable low-carbon development roadmap. [Display omitted] • The total carbon emissions of provincial construction industry are predicted. • Direct, indirect and operational carbon emissions are predicted respectively. • The total carbon emissions will not peak before 2030 under the basic scenario. • Carbon emissions will peak at 308.77 million tons in 2029 under multiple scenario. • Encouraging R&D investment, energy-saving buildings and carbon trading are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]