Abatement technology investment and emissions trading system: a case of coal-fired power industry of Shenzhen, China

Abstract

Abstract As one of China's emissions trading system (ETS) pilots, Shenzhen established the first carbon market of China in 2013. With field data collection and benefit-cost analysis, this article assesses the abatement technology investment decisions of Shenzhen coal-fired power industry under different carbon price scenarios. The results indicate that Shenzhen ETS constitutes a main driver for the short-term technology investment of the industry, but the long-term stimulation effect appears quite limited, except for the integrated gasification combined cycle technology under high carbon price scenario. Further, the paper proposes the short-term and long-term optimal investment strategy for the industry, and relevant policy suggestions.