China’s Energy Consumption and Economic Growth under the Constraints of Carbon Emissions

Abstract

This paper was based on the provincial unbalanced panel data of 31 administrative regions in China from 2005 to 2016, investigated the effects of carbon emission constraints and economic growth on China’s energy consumption, energy consumption structure and energy policy changes. The empirical results showed that a higher level of economic development would increase regional carbon emissions. Active energy policy and consumption structure adjustment will have a significant inhibitory effect on carbon emissions. This study provided micro-theoretical support for the optimization of regional energy consumption structural adjustment strategy, spatial prediction of emission reduction, and resolving the balance between energy supply and demand. It was helpful for local governments to analyze the energy consumption situation and the overall structural change trend according to the energy consumption structure. It could further tap the energy-saving potential of the region and formulate reasonable long-term development strategies.