Game analysis of regional energy utilization strategies under the background of energy structure transition

Abstract

[Objective] In the context of promoting energy structure transformation and accelerating the construction of a new energy system, clarifying the energy input strategies and their influencing factors across different regions is of great significance for formulating region-specific energy policies and orderly advancing regional renewable energy integration. [Methods] Based on a game theory framework, this study theoretically deduced the energy input strategies and influencing factors of different regions in the context of energy structure transformation. It also conducted empirical tests corresponding to the implementation effects of wind power subsidy policies in different regions of China and the progress of renewable energy integration in Europe. [Results] (1) Under the fossil fuel energy scenario, regions exhibited non-cooperative game behavior, where regional energy input strategies were characterized by non-cooperative games, displaying path dependency and influenced by the scale of capital and labor factors in the region. (2) Under the renewable energy scenario, regions engaged in cooperative games, with energy input strategies reflecting cooperative games, influenced by the unit cost of renewable energy, the scale of capital and labor factors, and the differences in the scale of capital and labor factors within the region. (3) When there are larger disparities in the scale of capital and labor factors among different regions within an area, lower costs of renewable energy, and a higher overall scale of capital and labor factors, the area is suitable for prioritizing the renewable energy integration, which is more conducive to the orderly achievement of energy efficiency improvement and energy structure transformation. [Conclusion] Dynamically adjusting energy input strategies, emphasizing the alignment of renewable energy deployment with regional factor endowments, and leveraging the leading role of central cities are crucial strategies for promoting China’s energy structure transformation. The findings of this study provide policy insights for the orderly advancement of renewable energy integration and the construction of a new energy system.

Keywords

• energy structure transformation|energy input strategy|non-cooperative game|cooperative game|renewable energy integration