Ziyuan Kexue (Dec 2023)

Dynamic evolution and driving mechanism of global photovoltaic module trade network

  • CHENG Yunjie, LIU Xu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.18402/resci.2023.12.03
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 45, no. 12
pp. 2322 – 2340

Abstract

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[Objective] Under the background of energy crisis, countries (regions) around the world have accelerated the distribution of photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy, so it is important to explore the dynamic evolution characteristics and driving mechanism of the global PV module trade network structure. [Methods] The complex network analysis method and temporal exponential random graph model (TERGM) were used to explore the structural evolution characteristics and driving mechanism of the global PV module trade network. [Results] (1) The global photovoltaic module trade network is highly clustered and has a short path length, and the trade gap between countries (regions) is widening, forming a close trade network dominated by intraregional trade. (2) The global PV module trade network has a typical core-periphery structure, and China is at the center of the core circle. (3) The worldwide PV module trade network exhibits reciprocal effects, structure-dependent effects, and time-dependent effects. (4) The impacts of national economic development, trade freedom, environmental performance index, and carbon emissions on the establishment of global photovoltaic module trade network are significantly positive, while the national urbanization and industrialization rates are negative. The exogenous networks that have a significant impact on them are the national border network, the income grade network, and the WTO member network. [Conclusion] China should take its central position at the global PV trade network as an opportunity to strengthen technological innovation, strengthen the resilience of the PV supply chain, speed up the convergence of the PV industry, and achieve differentiated development of products. The country should give full play to its geographical proximity to global and regional markets, promote trade diversification, actively promote international cooperation and integrated development of the PV industrial chain, and push forward the energy revolution to achieve the dual carbon goals.

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