Decomposition analysis of transportation energy consumption in China’s three major regions

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between regional transportation energy consumption and its influencing factors. We first determine the three research sections in the eastern, central and western regions. Then, the log-average Divisia index (LMDI) technique was used to identify the nature of the factors affecting changes in transportation energy consumption. We find that: (1) The GDP effect and the transport structure effect will promote the increase of energy consumption in different regions. (2) The energy intensity effect exerts an inhibitory effect in the central and eastern regions, while promoting the increase of energy consumption in the western region. (3) The effect of share of passenger and cargo transport on energy consumption is not significant. (4) The increase in energy consumption due to economic development and transport structure effects will continue for some time.