Low Carbon Transition of Power System in China: Pathways and Policy Design Implications

Abstract

This paper studies the low carbon transition of electricity system in China. The paper describes the approach, which builds on transitions and transition management using a multi-level perspective (MLP) of niches, socio-technical regime and landscape. A MLP analysis on China’s power sector is presented to understand the current landscape, regime and niches. Five transition pathways with their possible technology options are presented. The paper goes further to propose an interactive management framework for low carbon energy system transition in China and reprehensive technology options are appraised to indicate the policy package design logic in the framework. The work in the paper will be useful in informing policy-makers and other stakeholders and may provide reference value for other countries for energy transition management.