Stage characteristics and driving forces of China’s energy efficiency convergence—an empirical analysis

Abstract

Based on non-radial directional distance function, this paper measures the provincial total factor energy efficiency in China during the period from 2000 to 2015. And then, this paper analyzes the stage characteristics and driving forces of energy efficiency convergence based on the improving of traditional beta-convergence model. The empirical results confirm that there is a significant absolute beta-convergence trend of energy efficiency from 2000 to 2015 in China. However, the convergence trend of energy efficiency has obvious stage characteristics. Before 2006, energy efficiency has a significant convergence trend, but it is characterized by divergence after 2006. Technological progress significantly promotes the convergence of regional energy efficiency before 2006. During the period from 2006 to 2015, the industrial restructuring accelerates the speed of energy efficiency divergence. Conclusively, this paper offers pieces of objective and reasonable policy advice according to the conclusions mentioned above.