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Importing or self-dependent: energy transition in Beijing towards carbon neutrality and the air pollution reduction co-benefits

Author

Listed:
  • Jun Liu

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing)

  • Wenji Zhou

    (Renmin University of China)

  • Jing Yang

    (National Development and Reform Commission)

  • Hongtao Ren

    (East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Behnam Zakeri

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
    UCL Energy Institute, University College London
    Aalto University
    Aalborg University)

  • Dan Tong

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Ying Guo

    (Central South University)

  • Zbigniew Klimont

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA))

  • Tong Zhu

    (Peking University)

  • Xiaolong Tang

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing)

  • Honghong Yi

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing)

Abstract

Beijing has implemented air pollution control policies and transitioned its energy system with lower carbon emissions to tackle severe air pollution. However, further advancing to a carbon–neutral future necessitates comprehensive measures far beyond the air-quality-oriented policies. This study aims to explore and compare different transition strategies of the Beijing energy system to achieve carbon neutrality and assess the associated air pollution reduction co-benefits by using an integrated modelling framework consisting of an energy system model MESSAGEix-Beijing and an air quality assessment model GAINS. Three scenarios are developed, namely, baseline (BS), indigenous (IND), and imported electricity-dependent (EIMP). The two distinct low-carbon pathways differ in cost-optimal technological solutions and the associated impacts of air pollution reduction. Compared to the BS scenario, the IND and EIMP scenarios could reduce the carbon dioxide emissions in Beijing by 94 to 96% in 2050 and achieve substantial air pollution co-benefits. In the IND scenario, the NOx, SO2, and PM2.5 emissions would decrease by 50%, 84%, and 30% in 2050, respectively. Importing full electricity from other provinces, as indicated by the EIMP scenario, would achieve even higher emissions reduction for air pollutants. The results highlight the necessity for concerted regional development of adjacent provinces to avoid the spillover of carbon emissions and air pollution.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun Liu & Wenji Zhou & Jing Yang & Hongtao Ren & Behnam Zakeri & Dan Tong & Ying Guo & Zbigniew Klimont & Tong Zhu & Xiaolong Tang & Honghong Yi, 2022. "Importing or self-dependent: energy transition in Beijing towards carbon neutrality and the air pollution reduction co-benefits," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 173(3), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:173:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s10584-022-03413-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-022-03413-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Samreen Gillani & Hafiz Syed Mohsin Abbas, 2025. "Impact of government expenditures, foreign direct investment, trade openness, and energy consumption on ecological footprints in selected Asian economies," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(2), pages 4167-4184, February.
    3. Zhang, Shuo & Yu, Yadong & Kharrazi, Ali & Ma, Tieju, 2023. "How would sustainable transformations in the electricity sector of megacities impact employment levels? A case study of Beijing," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).

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