Estimation of household energy poverty and feasibility of clean energy transition: Evidence from rural areas in the Eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

Energy poverty has attracted widespread attention from the government and researchers for its close relationship with human well-being and resident health. Estimating the energy poverty line is essential in understanding energy poverty and alleviating it. However, there is no consensus on the measurement of energy poverty. This paper defined the energy poverty line as the threshold at which energy consumption ceases to change significantly as household income increases, which is based on the household minimum energy demand. Considering the environmental endowment in Qinghai, this paper established new scenarios to examine the feasibility of replacing biomass with clean electricity. The findings show that 31.6% of rural households are energy poor in Qinghai. Basic energy demand has been met in Qinghai, but there are difficulties in shifting to a more efficient energy structure. Income, residents’ consumption habits and technical issues with clean energy equipment continue to limit the energy choices of rural households. Therefore, improving the actual performance of clean energy devices is critical in the clean energy transition. In addition, local governments can increase incentives for clean energy utilization by setting reasonable subsidies for clean energy.