Does the development of renewable energy promote carbon reduction? Evidence from Chinese provinces. (15th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Shiwei; Hu, Xing; Li, Longxi; Chen, Hao
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 268(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08-15
• Subjects: Carbon emissions reduction -- Renewable energy development -- Panel quantile regression -- Chinese provinces; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110634
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Developing renewable energy is a crucial measure in addressing climate change and achieving carbon reduction. However, research evidence on its impact is mixed. To fill this gap, we construct a panel quantile regression model in this study to examine whether China's renewable energy development has effectively promoted a reduction in carbon emissions using panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2005 to 2016. The results show that: (1) Improving China's renewable energy development level is conducive to carbon emission reductions. Specifically, carbon intensity could drop by 0.084%–0.149% for every 1% increase in renewable energy generation. However, the inhibitory effect is limited due to trapped electricity as well as the fact that substituting renewable energy for fossil energy has not yet sufficiently transformed the energy consumption structure. (2) Renewable energy development has a greater impact on carbon intensity reduction in regions with high or low carbon intensity than in areas with intermediate carbon intensity. (3) The main factor in the decline in carbon intensity in China is a decrease in energy intensity. Nonetheless, the role of renewable energy in carbon reduction has increased over time. Highlights: Role of renewable energy development on carbon reduction is examined. China's renewable energy development has limited effect on its carbon reduction. Reduction effect is the minimal in areas with intermediate carbon intensity. Reduction effect of renewable energy becomes more and more obvious with time.