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Efficiency improvement effect of clean energy transformation —A quasi-natural experiment based on China's clean heating policy

Author

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  • Yan, Wenying
  • Chen, Yusheng
  • Wang, Yanmei

Abstract

The transformation to clean energy is an essential channel for cities achieving green, low-carbon, and sustainable development. This study employs a series of econometric methods, including staggered difference-in-differences (DID), synthetic difference-in-differences (SDID), instrumental variables (IV), propensity score matching (PSM), generalized random forest (GRF), and artificial neural networks (ANN), to evaluate the impact of China's clean heating policy (CLHP) on urban energy efficiency. The results demonstrate that the policy significantly improved energy efficiency in pilot cities by 0.0241 units compared to non-pilot cities. This policy effect is primarily achieved through three pathways: comprehensive emission reduction, heating transformation, and end-user adoption. The impact of the policy varies significantly based on the intensity of governmental environmental regulation, the type of city, and the environmental awareness of the residents. Its positive impact on urban energy efficiency is attributed to the creation effects. Moreover, although there is still room for improvement in equity, the policy exhibits considerable inclusiveness. Finally, the policy not only effectively narrows the energy consumption gap between different groups but also avoids triggering energy rebound effects. Furthermore, the policy effectively facilitates the green transformation of heating enterprises.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan, Wenying & Chen, Yusheng & Wang, Yanmei, 2025. "Efficiency improvement effect of clean energy transformation —A quasi-natural experiment based on China's clean heating policy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 334(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:334:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225034401
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.137798
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