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Energy transition of the poor: Quasi-experimental evidence from poverty alleviation relocation program in China

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  • Chen, Feifei
  • Qiu, Huanguang
  • Yang, Sansi

Abstract

Understanding the shift to clean energy among impoverished households is crucial for effective energy policies and reducing energy poverty. This study explores how the external decision environment influences energy transitions among poor households, using a large relocation program in China as a quasi-experiment. A difference-in-difference approach is applied with three waves of survey data covering 1356 poor households across eight provinces. Results show that relocating poor households to more accessible locations significantly accelerate the energy transition from traditional biomass fuels to modern clean energy sources. Compared to rural areas, urban resettlement particularly aids this transition due to improved accessibility and affordability of modern energy. Heterogeneity analysis highlights the importance of regional economic development and energy resource endowments in determining the relocation effects on household fuel choices. These findings provide valuable insights for policymaking to facilitate energy transition and alleviate energy poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Feifei & Qiu, Huanguang & Yang, Sansi, 2025. "Energy transition of the poor: Quasi-experimental evidence from poverty alleviation relocation program in China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:199:y:2025:i:c:s0301421525000436
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114536
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Energy transition; Accessibility; Affordability; Poverty alleviation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q41 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Demand and Supply; Prices
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy
    • R21 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Housing Demand
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty

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