ID | 127299 |
Title Proper | China's 2020 clean energy target |
Other Title Information | consistency, pathways and policy implications |
Language | ENG |
Author | Yuan, Jiahai ; Xu, Yan ; Zhang, Xingping ; Hu, Zheng, Xu, Ming |
Publication | 2014. |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | China has proposed its 2020 clean energy target together with the climate change target of reducing CO2 intensity of the economy by 40-45% below the 2005 level. This article investigates the feasibility of these targets by testing their consistency under possible economic development scenarios. We analyse these targets from two perspectives: consistency with the overall economic growth and consistency with the international society's expectation on China's greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement responsibilities. The main findings are: under the recently announced 2020 target of gross domestic product (GDP) that is double the 2010 level, the adoption of a 15% clean energy target could result in excessive primary energy demand; and then with 40-45% GDP CO2 intensity reduction, CO2 emissions in 2020 could substantially exceed the International Energy Agency (IEA) 450 ppm scenario for China. Thus we propose a 17% clean energy target that can reconcile the domestic plan with international expectation. Our article also outlines the pathways to realise clean energy development into 2020 and proposes policy recommendations. |
`In' analytical Note | Energy Policy Vol.65, No. ; February 2014: p.692-700 |
Journal Source | Energy Policy Vol.65, No. ; February 2014: p.692-700 |
Key Words | Energy Policy ; Energy Strategy ; Energy Planning ; Energy Utilizing ; Energy Security ; China ; Climate Change ; Environmental Security ; International Energy Agency - IEA ; Policy Making ; Economic Development ; International Society ; Energy Demand |