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China's energy economy: A survey of the literature

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  • Ma, Hengyun
  • Oxley, Les
  • Gibson, John

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on China's energy economy, focusing particularly on: (i) the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth; (ii) China's changing energy intensity; (iii) energy demand and energy-non-energy substitution; (iv) the emergence of energy markets in China; and (v) economic reforms in the energy industry. After reviewing the literature, the paper presents the main findings that some important issues remain unanswered, for example, what determines energy consumption behavior; the effects of substitution of and demand for energy; and technological change effects on energy intensity. Finally, the review suggests some topics worthy of future study.

Suggested Citation

  • Ma, Hengyun & Oxley, Les & Gibson, John, 2010. "China's energy economy: A survey of the literature," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 105-132, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecosys:v:34:y:2010:i:2:p:105-132
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    Keywords

    China Energy Literature review;

    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q41 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Demand and Supply; Prices

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