Carbon Reduction Goals Research Articles

Integrated energy services in parks: Analyzing stakeholder dynamics and innovation under the REITs model through 23 policy documents

Industrial parks are significant consumers of energy, contributing to global carbon emissions and intensifying the need for strategic interventions to meet carbon reduction and energy efficiency goals. In China, the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) model has been adopted to advance the development of Integrated Energy Services (IESs) within these parks. This paper analyzes 23 Chinese government policy documents to explore the key stakeholders in park-based IESs, particularly the central role of energy companies in shaping collective decision-making processes. The study highlights how business models, including financial investment, offline and digital services, and innovative practices, have evolved under the REITs framework to drive the development of IESs and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

The Non-Linear Impact of Industry 4.0 on Carbon Emissions in China’s Logistics Sector

This study investigates the impact of Industry 4.0 on carbon emissions within China’s logistics sector, focusing on its potential to support global carbon reduction goals. Utilizing panel data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2011 and 2019, this research employed an Industry 4.0 index alongside IPCC guidelines to estimate logistics emissions. Through fixed effects and dynamic panel models, this study indicated an inverted U-shaped relationship among the development of Industry 4.0 and carbon emission management. Industries move to emitting more pollution to provide their required needs to all but once technologies advance, drastic decreases in combustion and emissions take place as the industries move more towards conservation and the integration of information continues to improve. This study investigates the non-linear impact of Industry 4.0 on carbon emissions in China’s logistics sector. Utilizing panel data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2011 and 2019, the research employs a dynamic panel model to quantify the relationship between Industry 4.0 adoption and carbon emissions. The findings reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship, with emissions initially increasing by 10% at lower levels of technology adoption before decreasing by 15% as the Industry 4.0 index reached higher levels. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the strategic deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies to achieve sustainable logistics growth. Key policy implications and future research directions are discussed.

Can big data reduce urban environmental pollution? Evidence from China's digital technology experimental zone.

This paper investigates the impact of the digital economy on urban environmental pollution by analyzing panel data from 283 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2019 and using the digital technology comprehensive pilot zone of China as a natural experiment. The results demonstrate that digital technology has a significant effect in reducing pollutant emissions and empowering urban environmental governance. The findings are proven to be robust based on various tests, including parallel trend, PSM-DID, and placebo tests. Our analysis further shows that digital technology is particularly effective in controlling pollution in old industrial areas, high digital areas, and low energy efficiency areas. We also find that the national digital technology integrated pilot zone can mitigate environmental pollution in prefecture-level cities by increasing public environmental awareness and encouraging green technology innovation. Moreover, our research indicates that digital technology-enabled urban pollution control can contribute to the formation of a new urbanization pattern in China. These findings provide valuable insights for promoting the digital economy and achieving the goal of carbon reduction in China.

Application on ac station service system for gathering station based on roof photovoltaic system

Abstract With the increasingly severe global energy crisis and environmental pollution, it is imperative to develop and utilize clean and renewable energy. In order to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality as soon as possible, and reduce the proportion of fossil energy generation, decarbonization in the power industry is imperative. This article focuses on the design of rooftop photovoltaic systems at gathering stations. By installing solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of the gathering station building, a photovoltaic power generation system is constructed to convert solar energy radiated into electricity. The DC power generated by the solar photovoltaic power generation system is converted by an inverter and connected to the 380V bus of the station power system as a supplementary power supply for the station load, thereby increasing the proportion of green electricity consumption in the collection station and achieving the goal of carbon reduction

Allocating inter-provincial CEA in China based on the utility perspective --a method for improving the variable weight function

Introduction:At different times, China has pursued different carbon emission reduction targets, so it is crucial to develop a reasonable and flexible allocation scheme for Chinese carbon emissions quotas, referred to as Chinese Emission Allowance (CEA), in order to achieve carbon reduction goals. As important responsible entities for carbon reduction, each province needs to rely on a well-designed CEA allocation scheme to help achieve their emission reduction goals.Methods:Therefore, based on the utility perspective, this paper constructs allocation principles and methods to formulate the inter-provincial CEA allocation scheme for China in 2030. Specifically, the entropy method, SBM model, improved variable weight function, and ARIMA time series model are sequentially adopted to simulate the re-allocation scheme, examine its rationality, and develop CEA allocation schemes under different principles.Results and Discussion:The following conclusions are drawn: 1) The allocation scheme formulated based on historical emission simulation methods, industry benchmark methods, and other current CEA allocation methods has certain irrationality, and future CEA allocation should not follow the original methods; 2) The improved variable weight function is better suited for allocation in CEA than the current original allocation method. The allocation scheme developed under this method, which balances fairness and efficiency principles, is more appropriate for the actual reduction of carbon emissions in China.

Technology Progress in High-Frequency Electromagnetic In Situ Thermal Recovery of Heavy Oil and Its Prospects in Low-Carbon Situations

Heavy oil resources are abundant globally, holding immense development potential. However, conventional thermal recovery methods such as steam injection are plagued by high heat loss, substantial carbon emissions, and significant water consumption, making them incompatible with carbon reduction goals and the sustainable socioeconomic development demands. A new method of high-frequency electromagnetic in situ heating, which targets polar molecules, can convert electromagnetic energy into heat so as to achieve rapid volumetric heating of the reservoir. This method has the potential to overcome the drawbacks of traditional techniques. Nevertheless, it faces significant drawbacks such as limited heating range and inadequate energy supply during later production stages, which necessitates auxiliary enhancement measures. Various enhancement measures have been reported, including nitrogen injection, hydrocarbon solvent injection, or the use of nano-metal oxide injections. These methods are hindered by issues such as pure nitrogen being easy to breakthrough, high costs, and metal pollution. Through extensive literature review, this article charts the evolution of high-frequency electromagnetic in situ heating technology for heavy oil and the current understanding of the coupled heat and mass transfer mechanisms underlying this technology. Moreover, based on a profound analysis of the technology’s progression trends, this work introduces a new direction: CO2-N2 co-injection as an enhancement strategy for high-frequency electromagnetic in situ heavy oil recovery. There is promising potential for the development of new technologies in the future that combine high efficiency, low carbon emissions, environmental friendliness, economic viability, and energy conservation. Furthermore, some research prospects in low-carbon situations and challenges for the new technology in future are presented in detail. All in all, the contribution of the paper lies in the summarizing of some main drawbacks of current enhanced electromagnetic in situ thermal recovery methods, and presents a novel research direction of using CO2-N2 co-injection as an enhancement strategy based on its current research status in low-carbon situations.

Green Remodeling: Empirical Study of Thermal Insulation Improvement Remodeling of Public Healthcare Center

This study investigates the energy performance improvement in an aging public healthcare center in South Korea through a comprehensive “Green Remodeling” project. The building, originally constructed in 2001 before the establishment of national energy-saving standards, exhibited substandard insulation performance in its walls, roof, floors, and windows. The remodeling was designed to meet the highest current energy-saving criteria, incorporating advanced insulation techniques and energy-efficient systems. The remodeling process achieved a significant improvement in heating efficiency, with the ECO2 simulation predicting a 50% reduction in energy consumption. However, actual post-remodeling savings were approximately 10%, influenced by factors such as varying occupancy patterns and construction challenges. Despite these obstacles, the project demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted energy-saving measures in enhancing the overall performance of the building. This research underscores the importance of green remodeling as a viable strategy for improving energy efficiency in aging buildings, particularly in the context of South Korea’s carbon reduction goals. This study provides practical insights into the design and implementation of energy-saving technologies, offering a model that can be adapted for similar projects in other contexts.

The carbon emission reduction effect of green fiscal policy: a quasi-natural experiment

Carbon emission reduction is crucial for mitigating global climate change, and green fiscal policies, through providing economic incentives and reallocating resources, are key means to achieve carbon reduction targets. This paper uses data covering 248 cities from 2003 to 2019 and applies a multi-period difference-in-differences model (DID) to thoroughly assess the impact of energy conservation and emission reduction (ECER) fiscal policies on enhancing carbon emission (CE1) reduction and carbon efficiency (CE2). It further analyzes the mediating role of Green Innovation (GI), exploring how it strengthens the impact of ECER policies. We find that: (1) ECER policies significantly promote the improvement of carbon reduction and CE2, a conclusion that remains robust after excluding the impacts of concurrent policy influences, sample selection biases, outliers, and other random factors. (2) ECER policies enhance CE1 reduction and CE2 in pilot cities by promoting green innovation, and this conclusion is confirmed by Sobel Z tests. (3) The effects of ECER policies on CE1 reduction and the improvement of CE2 are more pronounced in higher-level cities, the eastern regions and non-resource cities. This research provides policy makers with suggestions, highlighting that incentivizing green innovation through green fiscal policies is an effective path to achieving carbon reduction goals.

Development of multifunctional cementitious composite using biochar

The global emphasis on sustainability has increased the demand for eco-friendly construction materials, with biochar emerging as a promising additive for concrete. It enhances mechanical properties, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and adds advanced multifunctionalities. Traditionally, achieving multifunctionality in cementitious composites involves using costly conductive fillers like carbon fibers and carbon black, which pose dispersion and health challenges. In contrast, biochar offers a cost-effective and carbon-negative alternative. Its high carbon content enables multifunctionality and sensing capabilities when integrated into cement. This study explores the multifunctional properties of biochar-based cementitious composites, focusing on self-sensing abilities, carbon sequestration, and their chemical and mechanical properties. Results indicate that adding biochar at 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % levels enhances compressive strength by 16.62 %, 46.20 %, and 51.17 %, respectively, while reducing ductility due to its porous nature at higher concentrations. Moreover, increasing biochar content from 5 % to 10 % correlated strain with fractional changes in resistivity (R2 = 0.99), highlighting its potential in self-sensing and structural health monitoring applications. BC15 samples also exhibited a 70 % higher CO2 absorption rate compared to controls, showcasing biochar's ability to improve concrete's functionalities and environmental performance. This study supports the wider adoption of biochar in construction to advance sustainable construction practices and contribute to global carbon reduction goals.

THE IMPACT OF ENTERPRISE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ON GREEN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION IN MANUFACTURING: A FACTOR FLOW PERSPECTIVE

Harnessing enterprise digital transformation to drive green technological innovation and achieve carbon reduction goals is an inevitable trend amid carbon reduction efforts. This study analyzed the impact of digital transformation on green technological innovation and the mediating role of innovation factors through a regression analysis model. The results indicate that digital transformation impacted the quantity of green technology innovation significantly more than quality. This impact was mediated by knowledge capital, human capital, physical capital, and innovation consciousness. The positive influence of digital transformation on green technology innovation varied based on corporate ownership nature and geographical location. Furthermore, the negative impact of green technology innovation on corporate value diminished over time. It is imperative for multiple stakeholders, including governments and enterprises, to collaborate in promoting innovation mobility. They should fully leverage the impact of digital transformation to enhance the quality and quantity of green technological innovation.

LCZ-based city-wide solar radiation potential analysis by coupling physical modeling, machine learning, and 3D buildings

Addressing climate change and urban energy problems is a great challenge. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) plays a pivotal role in energy conservation and carbon emission reduction. However, traditional approaches to assessing solar radiation on buildings with physical models are computing-intensive and time-consuming. This study presents a hybrid approach by integrating physical model-based solar radiation calculation and machine learning (ML) for city-wide building solar radiation potential (SRP) analysis. By considering urban morphology, land cover, and meteorological characteristics, local climate zones (LCZs) are classified. The SRP of representative LCZs is precisely evaluated using computing-intensive physical models integrated with 3D building models. A ML model is then developed to effectively predict the SRP of building roofs and facades throughout the city. An experiment was conducted in Shenzhen, China to validate the presented approach. The results demonstrate that Shenzhen has a total annual building solar radiation of 3.28∗1011kwh. Luohu District exhibits the highest SRP density. The LCZ-based analysis highlights that compact low-rise LCZs offer greater SRP for roofs, while compact high-rise LCZs do so for facades. Moreover, BIPV could cut CO2 emission by up to 41.85 million tons annually. Notably, solar PV installation only on rooftops in Shenzhen could meet 87.81% of the city's electricity department's carbon reduction goal. This study provides an alternative for city-wide SRP estimation by combining physical modeling and ML and offers valuable insights for data-driven and model-driven urban planning and management in low-carbon cities.

From silicon shield to carbon lock‐in? The environmental footprint of electronic components manufacturing in Taiwan (2015–2020)

AbstractTaiwan plans to rapidly increase its industrial production capacity of electronic components while concurrently setting policies for its ecological transition. Given that the island is responsible for the manufacturing of a significant part of worldwide electronics components (including the most advanced CMOS technology nodes), the sustainability of the Taiwanese electronics industry is of critical interest. In this paper, we survey the environmental footprint of 16 Taiwanese electronic components manufacturers (ECMs) using corporate sustainability responsibility reports. Based on data from 2015 to 2020, we find out that the sample of ECMs in this study increased its greenhouse gas emissions by 7.5% per year, its final energy and electricity consumption by 8.8% and 8.9%, and its water usage by 6.1%. We show that the volume of manufactured electronic components and the environmental footprint compiled in this study are strongly correlated, which suggests that relative efficiency gains are not sufficient to curb the overall environmental footprint of ECMs on the island. Given the critical nature of the electronics industry for Taiwan's geopolitics and economics, the observed increase of energy consumption, and the slow renewable energy roll‐out, Taiwan could face a carbon lock‐in situation which will most likely prevent the achievement of carbon reduction goals and sustainability policies on the island.

Opportunities and implementation pathway for China’s forestry development under the “Dual Carbon” strategy

The “Dual Carbon” initiative is a two-stage carbon reduction goal proposed by China, with significant implications for global climate change mitigation. This article examines the impact of the “Dual Carbon” strategy on China's forestry development and explores how to leverage this strategy to facilitate the transformation and advancement of the forestry sector. Current review indicated that forestry has the advantage of achieving higher emission reduction targets at a low cost. Starting with an overview of the “Dual Carbon” strategy, this paper analyzes the carbon sequestration potential of plants and soil, and the challenges and opportunities faced by forestry development under this framework. Furthermore, we outline implementation pathways for forestry development, aiming to provide insights for the progress of China's forestry sector. Overall, it should be noted that the priority is to vigorously develop timber resources, and we also need to vigorously develop and protect forestry talent with the support of China's policies. By trapping into the carbon storage capabilities and leveraging carbon trading mechanisms of forests, a favorable ecological environment can be created, thus achieving the goal of carbon neutrality.

Technology Focus: Decarbonization (July 2024)

While significant progress has been made in carbon abatement, evidenced in literature produced over the past year, particularly within the realm of carbon capture and storage (CCS), I’d like to invite your attention to three key topics in this discussion. First, despite more than 3 decades of intense focus on emissions issues, highlighted since the 1980s and formalized with the establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992, global emissions have only increased instead of going down. It’s imperative to question the efficacy, premises, practicality, and overlooked hurdles of current approaches. Paper SPE 214950, summarized here, sheds light on some of these challenges. It emphasizes that implementing costly carbon-abatement methods in a world marked by sharp regional economic disparities with wealth concentrated in a few countries could worsen economic inequalities by making access to energy even less equitable. Additionally, paper SPE 215050 (included in the list for further reading) underscores the priority of energy security over carbon reduction, citing recent evidence from leading proponent nations of climate action resorting to the use of coal. Failing to address energy security and economic disparity, though these are not the only obstacles, could hinder progress toward societal carbon-reduction goals. My second topic for your kind attention is the progress made on the CCS front, on which an overwhelming number of papers (approximately 75% of those reviewed) were presented at SPE conferences last year. An ongoing challenge with CCS, particularly in deep saline aquifers, is the prolonged period required for injected CO2 to chemically react and solidify for permanent storage. Paper SPE 215352, summarized here, introduces a different perspective based on the author’s exposure to another industry: proposing the coinjection of CaCl2 to expedite the permanent storage of CO2, potentially addressing this issue. The third topic that you will find interesting is developments on the hydrogen front, aimed at replacing direct use of fossil fuels as energy vectors. The cost of producing green hydrogen is expected to come down with advancement of technology, at least in some geographical areas, as the second paper shortlisted for further reading, paper IPTC 23652, suggests. One promising application involves using excess solar power during the day to convert hydrogen and store it underground for use when sunlight is unavailable. This could green the so-called peaker plants. While the approach of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) undoubtedly has the advantage of storing large amounts of energy, it may still struggle to compete with utility-scale battery storage in terms of the associated round-trip energy efficiency. There are many technoeconomic challenges to be solved in the hydrogen-based energy approach, including in the UHS context, before it can be used at a significant scale. Despite some previous experience with controlled and small-scale application of UHS, much remains to be learned about its safety and economics. The risks include leakage hazards, underground chemical reactions, loss from residual trapping, and contamination, among others. However, papers like IPTC 23943, one summarized here, along with the third one selected for further reading, paper SPE 215489, underline the necessity and the strides being made by the engineering community in overcoming these technological challenges. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 215050 Energy Transition or Energy Advancement! by Sami A. Alnuaim, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, et al. IPTC 23652 Sun-Powered Green Hydrogen—A Comparative Analysis From the Kingdoms of Morocco and Saudi Arabia by Waldemar Szemat-Vielma, SLB, et al. SPE 215489 Role of Hydrogen Storage for UK Energy Resilience for Net Zero by S.K. Kimpton, DNV, et al.

Analysis of Carbon Emission Reduction with Using Low-Carbon Demand Response: Case Study of North China Power Grid

The power sector is the single industry with the largest carbon emission in China, the carbon emission of which accounts for more than 40% of China’s total carbon emissions. In relevant research on the simulation of power system operation, current studies focus more on energy conservation and economical operation, while few consider the low-carbon optimization of the power system from the perspective of carbon emissions. In addition, in relevant research on carbon reduction in the power system, current studies focus more on controlling the direct carbon emission of the source side and less on the indirect carbon emissions of the load side, which focus on the reverse effect of a user’s electricity consumption behavior on the carbon reduction goals of the power system. This article delved into a deterministic simulation model of power system operation based on time series load curves and proposed a carbon reduction mechanism called the low-carbon demand response mechanism, which guides users to actively respond and reduce the carbon emission of power systems. In addition, this article conducted an empirical analysis based on the planning data of the North China Power Grid. To minimize carbon emissions, a simulation of low-carbon optimization operation for the North China Power Grid in 2040 was carried out. Then, based on the simulation results, an analysis of the carbon reduction benefits of low-carbon demand response was carried out. Ultimately, the empirical analysis verified that low-carbon optimization operation and low-carbon demand response technology possess significant carbon reduction potential for the power system.

Assessing Energy Consumption, Carbon Emissions, and Costs in Biomass-to-Gas Processes: A Life-Cycle Assessment Approach

China has a huge potential for biomass utilization. Converting low-grade biomass into high-quality hydrogen and natural gas is of great significance in promoting the utilization of biomass resources and the achievement of carbon reduction goals. Based on the data of biomass collection, transportation, power generation, hydrogen production and gas production stages in China, this paper constructs a multi-chain hybrid whole-life process evaluation model for “electricity to gas” and comprehensively compares the energy consumption, carbon emission and cost of the two chains of “hydrogen production from biomass power generation” and “methane production from biomass power generation”. We comprehensively compare the energy consumption, carbon emissions and costs of biomass-to-hydrogen and biomass-to-methane technologies. Biomass natural gas is found to have significant advantages in terms of energy consumption, carbon emissions and economics compared to biomass hydrogen production. In order to promote the development of the biomass “electricity to gas” industry in China, this paper proposes that PEM electrolysis tanks can be used for hydrogen production, and the distance from the biomass feedstock collection to the hydrogen production chemical park should be optimized to reduce the whole-life-cycle cost. Biomass natural gas can buy time for the development of China’s hydrogen industry and infrastructure construction.

The Synergistic Effect of Urban Economic, Social and Space Factors on Residential Carbon Emissions: A Case Study on Provincial Capitals in China

Within the context of China’s commitment to carbon reduction goals, particularly in urban areas, addressing carbon emissions stemming from residents’ travel activities assumes paramount significance. Drawing upon established theoretical frameworks, this study advances several hypotheses delineating the determinants of low-carbon behaviors among urban residents. It analyzes panel data from 30 provincial capitals in China using a time–individual dual fixed effects model. This study empirically scrutinizes the posited theoretical model, aiming to elucidate the factors shaping urban residents’ low-carbon behavioral patterns and provide a decision-making basis for low-carbon construction and management of urban space. The findings underscore several notable associations. The disposable income, population density, and urban built-up areas exhibit significant positive correlations with carbon emissions among residents. Conversely, the urban gross domestic product (GDP) displays a significant negative correlation with carbon emissions. Furthermore, a positive correlation is discerned between the expanse of green spaces and the per capita carbon emissions intensity, while the availability of subway systems exhibits a negative correlation with both the per capita public green space area and the carbon emissions intensity. Notably, the configuration intensity of urban bus systems manifests an inverted U-shaped relationship with residents’ carbon emissions intensity. Specifically, within a certain threshold, an escalation in the bus equipment intensity coincides with heightened carbon emission intensity; however, beyond this threshold, a notable reduction in the per capita carbon emissions intensity ensues. Additionally, a U-shaped relationship is observed between the number of urban parks and residents’ carbon emissions intensity, indicating that an increase in parks may not necessarily contribute to carbon reduction efforts. Moreover, a discernible synergy is observed among various factors influencing carbon reduction efforts. These factors encompass residents’ education levels and disposable incomes, the presence of subway and regular public transportation systems, urban land utilization scales, economic development levels, green space provisions, public transportation infrastructure, population densities, and land equilibrium. This interplay underscores the interconnectedness and interdependence of diverse variables in shaping strategies for mitigating carbon emissions within urban contexts.

Study on Spatial-Temporal Evolution, Decoupling Effect and Influencing Factors of Tourism Transportation Carbon Emissions: Taking North China as an Example

As global warming intensifies, reducing carbon emissions has become a global common mission. Tourism transportation is one of the important sources of carbon emissions, and reducing its carbon emissions is a key part of achieving China’s carbon reduction goals. Based on the panel data of various provinces and cities in North China from 2000 to 2022, this paper calculates the carbon emissions of tourism transportation by using the carbon emission coefficients of different transportation modes in different segments. Moreover, the temporal and spatial evolution of the tourism economy is systematically analyzed. The Tapio decoupling model and LMDI addition decomposition model are used to analyze the relationship between carbon emissions and tourism economic growth and the effects of 11 influencing factors on carbon emissions. The results show that: ① The carbon emission of tourism transportation in North China has experienced four stages: a steady growth period, a transitional adaptation period, a stable equilibrium period, and a drastic decline period. The overall carbon emission level of tourism transportation is as follows: Hebei Province > Shanxi Province > Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region > Beijing City > Tianjin City. ② The decoupling coefficient between tourism traffic carbon emissions and economic development fluctuates but mainly shows a weak decoupling state. ③ In terms of influencing factors, passenger size and passenger density have the greatest impact on the carbon emissions of tourism transportation.

Making Decisions on the Development of County-Level Agricultural Industries through Comprehensive Evaluation of Environmental and Economic Benefits of Agricultural Products: A Case Study of Hancheng City

This study aims to provide a scientific basis for the development of county-level agricultural industries through a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental and economic benefits of agricultural products. Focusing on Hancheng City in Shaanxi Province, this paper calculates and analyzes the carbon emission intensity per unit output value and the economic benefits of major agricultural products, assessing their comprehensive advantage indices. The research methods include data collection, data processing, and model construction, utilizing a bi-factor matrix analysis to explore the balance between environmental sustainability and economic profitability of different agricultural products. The results indicate that pepper and vegetables have the highest comprehensive advantages, demonstrating significant economic and environmental benefits, while soybeans show lower comprehensive advantages, requiring improvements in cultivation techniques and management practices. Based on the research findings, this paper proposes policy and management recommendations for different agricultural products, including focusing on the development of high-comprehensive-advantage products, improving cultivation techniques for low-comprehensive-advantage products, promoting green agricultural technologies, establishing a carbon footprint monitoring system for agricultural products, and strengthening agricultural infrastructure construction. The study’s conclusions provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the agricultural development strategies of Hancheng City and similar regions, contributing to the achievement of sustainable agricultural development and carbon reduction goals.

The Janus‐Faced Role of Renewable Energy Development in Global Carbon Reduction Under Renewable Energy Policies

AbstractThe global‐scale empirical analysis of how renewable energy policies (REPs) affect carbon emissions and the mediating role of renewable energy development (RED) in this mechanism remains underexplored. To fill this research gap, we extracted and organized REPs data from IEA's databases for 135 countries until 2018 and conducted empirical analyses of these issues. We find that: (a) REPs significantly reduce global carbon emissions, especially through regulatory, economic, and R&D policies. (b) REPs' effectiveness in mitigating carbon emissions is enhanced by robust energy infrastructure, strong control of corruption, and adherence to the rule of law. Besides, the balance of REPs types does not influence their efficiency, but REPs prioritizing certain renewable energy (RE) types aligns better with carbon reduction goals. (c) RED displays a Janus‐faced influence on REPs' carbon reduction effect—renewable energy consumption (REC) positively mediates it, whereas renewable energy share (RES) exerts a negative mediation. Specifically, REC consistently reduces carbon emissions, while RES initially increases and then decreases carbon emissions, exhibiting an inverted U‐shape. (d) The initial rise in carbon emissions with RES is due to the low substitution of RE for fossil energy and the country‐specific heterogeneity in organizational, geographic, industrial, economic, demographic, and temporal factors.