The effects of industrial energy consumption on energy-related carbon emissions at national and provincial levels in China

Abstract

China has been making efforts for accelerating energy conservation in industry for many years. Logarithmic mean divisia index approach was used to analyze the effects of industrial energy consumption on energy-related carbon emissions. Energy-related CO2 emissions at national and provincial levels from 2005 to 2013 were calculated and CO2 emissions from net import electricity were considered. Carbon emissions were then decomposed according to several factors, including CO2 emissions per unit of energy consumption, proportion of industrial energy consumption in total energy consumption, energy consumption per unit of industrial added value, industrial proportion, GDP per capita, and proportion of provincial population. The results showed that GDP per capita was the main factor influencing the increase in CO2 emissions. The sharp decrease in energy consumption per unit in industrial added value played a critical role in emissions mitigation and could be the focus in controlling emissions in the future. It is worthwhile to note that variations were observed among provinces. Key influencing factors of provinces could be different from each other. Differentiated measurements of energy conservation and emissions reduction should be formulated and implemented according to the distinctive development characteristics in the future.