Ecological Network Analysis of Embodied Energy Exchanges Among the Seven Regions of China

Abstract

SummaryRegional economic development in China has resulted in an unbalanced distribution of resources and frequent exchanges of resources and products among regions. Therefore, it is necessary to understand these regional differences to support national planning to improve sustainability. In this research, we used energy data and a multiregional input‐output table for China in 2002 to analyze the domestic trade among the 30 provinces and seven regions of China. We also quantified the embodied energy flows and their patterns by means of ecological network analysis and looked at different types of relationships between the regions, such as mutualistic or competing relationships. The results show that the flows connected with the Northern and Eastern regions ranked first, and those connected with the Southwestern and Northwestern regions were the smallest. Based on the flows among provinces and regions, we determined the relationships among them. Results show that more than 95% of the total relationships among the regions were exploitation, with only one competition relationship. The Eastern region received the largest input and the highest benefits from their energy exchanges with other regions. Our study of the regional flows and relationships among the regions and provinces provides useful information on the flows and consumption of embodied energy in China, thereby providing insights into the sustainability of these flows and how to promote sustainable development through regional cooperation.