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Promoting Decarbonization in China: Revealing the Impact of Various Energy Policies on the Power Sector Based on a Coupled Model

Author

Listed:
  • Minwei Liu

    (Planning & Research Center for Power Grid, Yunnan Power Grid Corp., Kunming 650011, China)

  • Lang Tang

    (Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China)

  • Jincan Zeng

    (Energy Development Research Institute, China Southern Power Grid, Guangzhou 510663, China)

  • Guori Huang

    (Energy Development Research Institute, China Southern Power Grid, Guangzhou 510663, China)

  • Xi Liu

    (Energy Development Research Institute, China Southern Power Grid, Guangzhou 510663, China)

  • Shangheng Yao

    (Energy Development Research Institute, China Southern Power Grid, Guangzhou 510663, China)

  • Gengsheng He

    (Energy Development Research Institute, China Southern Power Grid, Guangzhou 510663, China)

  • Nan Shang

    (Energy Development Research Institute, China Southern Power Grid, Guangzhou 510663, China)

  • Hai Tao

    (Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China)

  • Songyan Ren

    (Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China)

  • Peng Wang

    (Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China)

Abstract

The carbon emissions of the power industry account for over 50% of China’s total carbon emissions, so achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality in the power sector is crucial. This study aims to simulate the impacts of three energy policies—carbon constraints, the development of a high proportion of renewable energy, and carbon trading—on China’s energy transition, economic development, and the power sector’s energy mix. Through the construction of a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model for China and its integration with the SWITCH-China electricity model, the impact of diverse energy policies on China’s energy transition, economic progress, and the power mix within the electricity industry has been simulated. The integration of the SWITCH-China model can address the limitations of the CGE model in providing a detailed understanding of the specific intricacies of the electricity sector. The results indicate that increasing the stringency of carbon restrictions compels a reduction in fossil energy use, controlling the output of coal-fired power units, and thereby reducing carbon emissions. The development of a high proportion of renewable energy enhances the cleanliness of the power sector’s generation structure, further promoting the national energy transition. Implementing a carbon trading policy, where the entire industry shares the burden of carbon reduction costs, can effectively mitigate the economic losses of the power sector. Finally, the policies to further enhance the implementation of carbon trading policies, strengthen effective governmental regulation, and escalate the deployment of renewable energy sources are recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Minwei Liu & Lang Tang & Jincan Zeng & Guori Huang & Xi Liu & Shangheng Yao & Gengsheng He & Nan Shang & Hai Tao & Songyan Ren & Peng Wang, 2024. "Promoting Decarbonization in China: Revealing the Impact of Various Energy Policies on the Power Sector Based on a Coupled Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:13:p:3234-:d:1426950
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sufian Eltayeb Mohamed Abdel-Gadir & Mwahib Gasmelsied Ahmed Mohammed, 2024. "Oman’s Green Horizon: Steering Towards Sustainability Through Decarbonization and Energy Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-21, October.
    2. Huijuan Dong & Tianyu Zhang & Yong Geng & Peng Wang & Shu Zhang & Joseph Sarkis, 2025. "Sub-technology market share strongly affects critical material constraints in power system transitions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.

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