Pathways of carbon emissions reduction under the water-energy constraint: A case study of Beijing in China

Peng Wang, Ren Huang, Sufang Zhang and Xiaoli Liu

Energy Policy, 2023, vol. 173, issue C

Abstract: China is striving for carbon peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060 (“Dual Carbon” strategy). Dual Carbon strategy is a complex systematic work involving the whole society, particularly the energy system and water resources system, and cities play a key role in the strategy. Using LEAP-WEAP-Beijing model, this paper examines the pathways of carbon emissions reduction for 2020–2030 under the water-energy constraint in Beijing. It is found that Beijing has large potential to reduce carbon emissions, and that the deployment of local gas-fired power has the greatest emissions reduction effect. Nevertheless, it is not advisable to prioritize local gas-fired power as it would undermine the water resources security. Instead, renewable energy deployment and optimization of imported power structure should be prioritized. Further, it is not appropriate to eliminate conventional energy sources at an early stage as diversification of energy sources is the guarantee of energy security. On the energy consumption side, although electrification is recognized as an important measure to reduce emissions, it should be pushed forward in a stepwise way. Partial electrification is the optimal pathway in terms of both emissions reduction and energy security level. Building on these findings, specific recommendations to policy makers are provided.

Keywords: Carbon emissions reduction; Pathway; Water security; Energy security; Beijing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:enepol:v:173:y:2023:i:c:s0301421522005626

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113343

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