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Health impacts of cross-regional transmission infrastructure: Evidence from China's ultra-high voltage projects

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  • Gao, Zhengye
  • Zhao, Li

Abstract

Fossil fuel consumption poses a significant threat to public health. This paper provides the first empirical evidence of the health benefits associated with the world's largest cross-regional power grid project, namely, China's ultra-high-voltage (UHV) transmission system. The primary objective of this project is to transmit clean electricity from energy-rich regions to densely populated areas located thousands of kilometers away. Utilizing detailed household health data and the natural experimental setting created by the operation of UHV lines, we implement a difference-in-differences design. Our findings reveal that the operation of UHV lines significantly improves public health in the connected regions. Mechanism analysis indicates that the UHV grid promotes public health primarily by reducing air pollution and lowering energy costs. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the UHV grid's health benefits are more pronounced in regions with high electricity consumption intensity and a greater reliance on fossil fuels. Our study provides a novel solution for addressing air pollution and public health issues by investing in cross-regional transmission infrastructure to optimize power allocation across regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Gao, Zhengye & Zhao, Li, 2025. "Health impacts of cross-regional transmission infrastructure: Evidence from China's ultra-high voltage projects," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:148:y:2025:i:c:s0140988325004967
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108669
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