Rising energy inequity and its driving factors to approach a just energy transition in China

Abstract

China, as the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, faces the urgent need to transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy system. A just energy transition is vital to ensure that this transformation is equitable, taking into account social, economic, and environmental factors. One crucial aspect of this transition is assessing provincial energy efficiency across China. This study aims to analyze the energy efficiency performance of different provinces in China and evaluate their progress towards a just energy transition. By employing a comprehensive set of indicators, including energy intensity, energy consumption patterns, renewable energy deployment, and social equity considerations, this research provides a nuanced understanding of the provincial energy landscape. In the last 12 years, the energy efficiency performance of Chinese provinces has exhibited a concerning trend, with 87.1% of the provinces experiencing a decline in energy efficiency. The analysis reveals a significant and consistent decline in energy efficiency across all three regions (eastern, middle, and western) over the course of the past 12 years. Energy efficiency inequality is a prevalent issue observed across all provinces in China, with the eastern region consistently demonstrating higher energy efficiency levels compared to the western region. Each region (eastern region [industry structure and urbanization], middle region [industry structure and financial support] and western region [industry structure and industrialization]) in China presents unique considerations and challenges that must be taken into account to improve energy efficiency effectively. Ultimately, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into shaping effective policies that can accelerate China's progress towards a sustainable and equitable energy future.