China's electricity emission intensity in 2020 - an analysis at provincial level

Xin Li, Konstantinos J. Chalvatzis, Dimitrios Pappas

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

33 Citations (Scopus)
14 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In order to maintain the 2°C climate change target, global carbon intensity of electricity generation needs to achieve a short-term target of 600 g/kWh by 2020. This target is important for China, which has been the largest consumer and producer of electricity since 2011. China has set ambitious targets to reduce its electricity carbon intensity in the 13th five-year plan. For a country as large as China, the outcomes of these policies rely on the implementation strategies and effectiveness of each province. In this study, we estimate the carbon intensities of power generation in China’s provinces by 2020. Results show that despite progress in renewable energy growth most provinces are expected to have carbon intensities well above 600 g/kWh by 2020. Renewable energy sources can help reduce carbon intensities in most provinces, but the magnitude of such impacts depends on the coordination among provinces. The over-dependence on coal power generation has made carbon capture and storage a necessity for China’s provinces to reduce their carbon intensity for power generation. Therefore, government support should be addressed sooner rather than later.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 9th International Conference on Applied Energy, ICAE 2017
EditorsJ. Yan, Jianzhong Wu, H. Li
Pages2779-2785
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Dec 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event9th International Conference on Applied Energy, ICAE 2017 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Duration: 21 Aug 201724 Aug 2017

Publication series

NameEnergy Procedia
PublisherElsevier
Volume142
ISSN (Electronic)1876-6102

Conference

Conference9th International Conference on Applied Energy, ICAE 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityCardiff
Period21/08/201724/08/2017

Keywords

  • carbon intensity
  • power generation
  • China
  • renewable energy

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