A weighted Gini coefficient and Theil index-based approach for estimating the spatial disparity in energy efficiency in China

Chao Feng, Bin Lu and Zhiqiang Xu

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2016, vol. 39, issue 1/2, 4-17

Abstract: Scientific and rational analyses of inter-regional disparities in energy efficiency and their evolution aids in identifying benchmarks, exploiting energy-saving potential, and constructing energy-saving policies. This paper analyses the causes and development of the inequality in energy intensity among China's 29 regions during the period from 1985 to 2010. It develops a novel approach that redefines regional weights to estimate China's spatial disparity in energy efficiency based on the Gini coefficient and Theil index, and discusses the contributions of inter- and intra-regional disparities through a decomposition model of the Theil index. The results show that although China has noticeable regional disparities, the gaps have gradually narrowed since 2004. Regarding decomposition, intra-regional disparities have played a core role in the overall disparity, except during the period from 1995 to 1999. This new approach improves the traditional methods of evaluating regional disparities in energy efficiency.

Keywords: regional energy efficiency; disparity; regional energy allocation; Gini coefficient; Theil index; decomposition; evaluation; intra-regional disparities; inter-regional disparities; China; spatial disparity; energy saving. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijgeni:v:39:y:2016:i:1/2:p:4-17

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