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Plugging in for cities: the impact of power infrastructure on urban agglomeration

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaohua Xia

    (National Academy of Development and Strategy
    School of Applied Economics)

  • Jialu Wu

    (School of Applied Economics)

  • Lianzhou Tang

    (School of Applied Economics)

  • Baifan Chen

    (School of Applied Economics)

  • Ying Zheng

    (School of Applied Economics)

Abstract

This article demonstrates that the construction of power plants spurs urban agglomeration. Cities with large thermal power plants experience reductions in built-up area sizes while seeing increases in population density and building heights. The underlying mechanisms of these observations include variations in electricity supply, economic development, and environmental impact. Notably, gas-fired power plants exhibit superior performance in population agglomeration compared to their large-scale, heavily polluted thermal counterparts. To elucidate the trade-offs individuals make between different power plant attributes, we analyze the spatial distribution of populations around coal-fired power plants within urban areas. Additionally, we conduct a heterogeneity analysis across four dimensions: traffic infrastructure, economic growth, environmental regulation, and geographical factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaohua Xia & Jialu Wu & Lianzhou Tang & Baifan Chen & Ying Zheng, 2025. "Plugging in for cities: the impact of power infrastructure on urban agglomeration," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-05146-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05146-7
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