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Spatial–Temporal Evolution Patterns and Drivers of Embodied Energy Transfer Along with Industrial Transfer in China: From a Regional–Sectoral Perspective

Author

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  • Qinghua Pang

    (Business School, Hohai University, Changzhou 213022, China)

  • Xueping Lv

    (Business School, Hohai University, Changzhou 213022, China)

  • Lina Zhang

    (Business School, Hohai University, Changzhou 213022, China)

  • Yungho Chiu

    (Department of Economics, Soochow University, 56, Kueiyang St., Sec. 1, Taipei 10048, Taiwan)

Abstract

China, as the world’s largest energy consumer, is currently facing energy and environmental challenges. Research on embodied energy transfer along with industrial transfer is vital to achieving “dual control of energy”. Considering regional heterogeneity, this research employs the multi-regional input–output model to analyze the spatial–temporal evolution patterns of embodied energy transfer in 2012, 2015, and 2017. Furthermore, structural decomposition analysis is used to determine the key factors affecting embodied energy transfer. The results show that (1) Total embodied energy use increased from 5.14 × 10 9 tce to 6.00 × 10 9 tce by 2017, at an average per annum growth of 3.36%. The middle Yellow River comprehensive zone consumed the most embodied energy. The embodied energy growth rate in the northeast zone declined. (2) The overall trend of spatial–temporal evolution patterns of net embodied energy transfer in conjunction with industrial transfer was similar, with a clear “southward” trend. Embodied energy transfer was influenced by factors other than industrial transfer. (3) The vital factors affecting the embodied energy transfer were final consumption and investment, particularly pronounced in the middle Yellow River comprehensive zone with 2.72 × 10 8 tce. Energy intensity and production structure effects in the sectors of Manufacturing and Electricity, hot water, gas, and water production and supply had a significant inhibitory impact. This research provides a reference for implementing regional differentiated energy control.

Suggested Citation

  • Qinghua Pang & Xueping Lv & Lina Zhang & Yungho Chiu, 2025. "Spatial–Temporal Evolution Patterns and Drivers of Embodied Energy Transfer Along with Industrial Transfer in China: From a Regional–Sectoral Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-25, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:8:p:1965-:d:1632938
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