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Pensions as hidden green levers: The impact of China's new rural pension scheme on household energy transition

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  • Jin, Boyu
  • Zhou, Chaohui
  • Zhao, Minjuan
  • Zhang, Chen
  • Tian, Ziqing

Abstract

Against the global backdrop of aging populations and the pressing need for energy transitions in low- and middle-income countries, this study investigates the impact of China's new rural pension scheme (NRPS) on household energy transition using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and a quasi-experimental fuzzy regression discontinuity design. The results reveal that the pension “windfall” effectively promotes a shift toward cleaner energy sources. This influence is particularly pronounced among households characterized by better health, lower income levels, and stronger intergenerational interactions with their children. Overall, the study underscores the dual function of the NRPS in advancing both poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability, and it advocates for targeted policy interventions, such as health-based subsidies and intergenerational support programs, to enhance its positive outcomes in aging and energy-deprived communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Jin, Boyu & Zhou, Chaohui & Zhao, Minjuan & Zhang, Chen & Tian, Ziqing, 2026. "Pensions as hidden green levers: The impact of China's new rural pension scheme on household energy transition," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:210:y:2026:i:c:s0301421525005294
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.115022
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