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Sustainable growth like China: The economic effects of clean coal power generation

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  • Sun, Chuanwang
  • Zuo, Xuguang

Abstract

Sustainable growth has become an important goal of national development. The experience of sustainable growth in China deserves to be explored. Based on a difference-in-differences model and nighttime light intensity as the proxy indicator, this study discusses the economic effects of clean coal power generation (CCPG) for Chinese counties. It is found that the additional CCPG has a long-term economic effect on the counties of China. 1 × 660 MW CCPG unit realized an average increase of approximately 1.95 % in regional gross domestic product. CCPG secured industrial and commercial electricity, and created employment. Besides, CCPG promoted the retirement of aging coal-fired power plants, and improved air quality. The economic effects of CCPG were specifically demonstrated by the realization of tertiary and industrial growth. The use of the units with ultra-supercritical steam generators and high-quality coal fuels was more efficient in terms of technology type and fuel type. Relatively backward regions and resource-based regions that need to be transformed need to prioritize the deployment of the clean coal-fired power plants. This study provides a practically relevant reference for developing countries attempting to industrialize to choose the appropriate sustainable growth approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Chuanwang & Zuo, Xuguang, 2025. "Sustainable growth like China: The economic effects of clean coal power generation," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:151:y:2025:i:c:s0140988325007662
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108939
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    References listed on IDEAS

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