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Local Adaptive Solar Energy Governance: A Case Study of Lin’an District, China

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  • Zhe Jin

    (The Research Center for Energy Transition and Social Development, School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Jijiang He

    (The Research Center for Energy Transition and Social Development, School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

Abstract

This paper examines how county-level government in China formulates and implements solar photovoltaic (PV) policies through an adaptive-governance lens, using Lin’an District (Hangzhou) as a case study. Drawing on multi-level policy document analysis and 30 semi-structured interviews with government officials, developers, grid actors and experts, we identify three stages of local PV development (rooftop diffusion; rapid utility-scale expansion; and market-oriented regulatory adjustment). Key governance innovations include a district PV task force, an industry alliance, and a dual acceptance safety mechanism that together accelerated deployment while managing technical and political risks. We show how adaptive governance operates within an authoritarian, hierarchical system by combining top-down targets with bottom-up development and stakeholder coordination. The findings illuminate practical trade-offs between market liberalization and regulatory control, and provide transferable lessons for other developing countries pursuing decentralized renewable energy transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhe Jin & Jijiang He, 2025. "Local Adaptive Solar Energy Governance: A Case Study of Lin’an District, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2025:i:1:p:356-:d:1829120
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