Energy-Saving Potential Analysis and Countermeasures for Carbon Peaking in China

Abstract

China is a major country in energy consumption and carbon emission; therefore, it is critical for China to promote an energy saving strategy for realizing carbon peak and neutrality goals. In this study, we summarize the current status and characteristics and analyze the future trend of energy consumption in China, illustrating the significant role of energy saving measures regarding energy development. Subsequently, we build an energy saving potential evaluation model using the input–output method and apply it to the energy intensive industries, transportation, and building industry. In this manner, we evaluate the total energy consumption values and energy saving potentials under the current policy scenario and a scenario that strengthens energy saving measures. The results show that strengthening energy saving is an effective way for reducing energy consumption and peeking carbon emissions in advance. Key measures should include: promoting industrial structure adjustment, accelerating energy structure transformation, developing low carbon energy technologies, popularizing energy-saving technologies, reducing the demand for high energy-consuming products,and advocating energy-saving lifestyles. Furthermore, we propose several suggestions, including (1) continuously controlling energy consumption intensity and amount, (2) promoting the low-carbon transformation of energy-intensive and low-value-added industries,(3) strengthening the publicity and innovation of low-carbon energy-saving technologies, (4) improving the energy-saving regulations and standards system, (5) gradually promoting urban renewal and zero-waste construction, and (6) encouraging education to promote energy-saving awareness.

Keywords

• energy-saving and efficiency improvement, energy intensity, energy-saving potential analysis, energy resource structure,industry reconstructing