Interdependence between energy and metals in China: evidence from a nexus perspective. (20th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peng, Kun; Zou, Zhiyi; Wang, Saige; Chen, Bin; Wei, Wendong; Wu, Shaopeng; Yang, Qing; Li, Jiashuo
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 214(2019)
• Page Start: 345
• Page End: 355
• Publication Date: 2019-03-20
• Subjects: Environmentally extended input-output analysis -- Ecological network analysis -- Energy-metals nexus -- Sustainable economic system -- China; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.12.253
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: The lack of knowledge about the interdependence between energy and metals hinders sustainable management of the two essential resources. In this study, a hybrid framework which combines the Environmentally Extended Input-Output Analysis (EEIOA) and Ecological Network Analysis (ENA) was constructed to evaluate energy-metals use and flows within China's economic system in 2012, from the perspective of nexus. Furthermore, the structural properties of nexus networks and mutual relationships between sectors were simultaneously explored. The results show that hybrid energy (direct energy + metals-related energy) and hybrid metals (direct metals + energy-related metals) used by all the sectors were 1.22 and 1.05 times their direct energy and direct metals use, respectively. In both hybrid energy and metal networks, mining industry and construction industry had a strong control and dependence relationship (over 50%) with other sectors, reflecting the tight inter-sectoral connection between energy use and metals use. Therefore, stabilizing these main control and dependence pathways is essential to the system's effective operation. In addition, alleviating excess industrial capacity and optimizing economic structure are two effective measures to improve the currently low energy-metals circulation efficiency within China's economy system. By revealing the nexus between energy and metals in China, this study provides important policy implications for trade-offs and synergies between energy and metals use. Graphical abstract: Highlights: The interdependence between energy and metals was quantified from a nexus perspective. System stability and inter-sectoral energy and metals linkages in the nexus network were investigated. The circulation of energy and metals within China's economic system were both in a state of low efficiency. Feasible strategies were provided for sustainable energy and metals management.