Industrial energy efficiency in China: Achievements, challenges and opportunities. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Mian; Patiño-Echeverri, Dalia; Yang, Fuxia; Williams, Eric
• Is Part Of: Energy strategy reviews. Volume 6(2015)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Energy saving -- Energy intensity -- Energy efficiency -- China; Energy policy -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2014.11.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-467X

Abstract

Abstract: During the years of 2006–2010, corresponding to the 11th Five-Year Plan, China reduced its energy intensity by almost 20%. We review the policy mechanisms – government investment, command-and-control regulation, taxes, and subsidies – China used during this period, and their potential for further reductions. We find that most likely these policy mechanisms alone will not be as effective in subsequent Five-Year Plans. We conclude that although further reductions in energy intensity may be harder to achieve, some market-based policy tools are well suited to fulfill the ambitious targets of reducing China's energy intensity as well as carbon intensity in the following decades. Highlights: Measures of the 11 FYP alone are unlikely to continue reducing energy intensity. There is lack of cooperation from local governments. Regnant developmental model makes energy intensity reductions difficult. Complementary policies for reducing energy and carbon intensity are needed.