Strategizing CO2 emission commitments in mainland China by integrating the experiences of primary energy consumption structures from the European assemblage and the USA in 1971–2021

Tao Ma and Shen Yu

Energy, 2024, vol. 306, issue C

Abstract: To fulfill CO2 emission commitments becomes strategic to meet energy demands of sustainable economic growth via adjusting primary energy consumption structure. This study analyzed energy efficiency and CO2 emission intensity in the top three world economies in the period 1971–2021 and attempted to optimize structure of primary energy consumption for the CO2 emission commitments in mainland China, reaching peak emission by 2030 and neutrality by 2060. Results indicated that the USA and the European 16 – countries had significant higher energy efficiency and lower CO2 emission intensity than mainland China (α = 0.05). Reducing coal consumption is an efficient measure to reduce CO2 emission from fossil energy in the structure. However, renewable energies are crucial for achieving CO2 emission neutrality. As predicted, mainland China might peak CO2 emission by 2030 at 14.7 × 109 ton CO2 with 278 × 1018 J of total primary energy consumption, and would neutralize CO2 emissions by 2060 from 184 × 1018 J of primary fossil energy in the consumption structure in 2030 with renewable energies, hydropower, and nuclear as planned. Findings of this study provide a practical strategy for fulfilling CO2 emission commitments in mainland China and might be applicable to the developing world.

Keywords: Primary energy consumption structure; CO2 emission commitments; Peak; Neutrality; Top world economies; Mainland China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:306:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224022709

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.132496

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