Multi-scope electricity-related carbon emissions accounting: A case study of Shanghai

Abstract

Abstract Electricity-related carbon emissions in a specific region can vary significantly as the scope for emissions accounting changes. Existing studies have mainly focused on carbon emissions caused by local power generation (Scope 1) and carbon emissions embodied in the electricity consumed by a region after cross-regional electricity transmission (Scope 2). Previous studies have ignored the electricity-related carbon emissions induced by regional consumption (Scope 3), leading to carbon emissions leakage. Comprehensively employing the IPCC emissions accounting method, a network approach that simulates cross-regional electricity flow and an environmentally extended input-output model, this study provides systematic electricity-related carbon emissions accounting for regional electricity-related carbon emissions under Scopes 1, 2 and 3 using the case of Shanghai in the period of 2007–2012. The results show that Shanghai has large net inflows of electricity-related carbon emissions through power grids and regional trade, causing Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions to be significantly larger than Scope 1 emissions in Shanghai. A Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model is used to analyze the driving factors of carbon emissions under Scope 1, and the driving factors of carbon emissions under Scopes 2 and 3 are evaluated using structural decomposition analysis (SDA). Fuel structure improvement can help to reduce Shanghai’s Scope 1 emission, while the power generation volume increase has opposite effect. Power transmission structure and power transmission scale decrease Shanghai’s Scope 2 emissions, while the power consumption scale is positive with emission growth. The declining carbon emissions intensity and improving electricity efficiency offset the growth of Shanghai’s Scope 3 emissions, while the increase in population and per capita electricity consumption contribute to the increase in Scope 3 emissions. This study could help to enhance the understanding of regional electricity-related carbon emissions and to support comprehensive and systemic carbon mitigation strategies.