Climate change is a key problem of the 21st century. China, as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has committed to stabilize its current emissions and dramatically increase the share of electricity production from non-fossil fuels by 2030. However, this is only a first step: in the longer term, China needs to aggressively strive to reach a goal of zero-emissions. Through detailed discussions of electricity pricing, electric vehicle policies, nuclear energy policies, and renewable energy policies, this book reviews how near-term climate and energy policies can affect long-term decarbonization pathways beyond 2030, building the foundations for decarbonization in advance of its realization. Focusing primarily on the electricity sector in China - the main battleground for decarbonization over the next century – it provides a valuable resource for researchers and policymakers, as well as energy and climate experts.
Chapter 1 - Introduction By Daniel P. Schrag, Henry Lee
Chapter 2 - Reforming China’s Electricity Market to Facilitate Low-Carbon Transition By Pu Wang
Chapter 3 - Promoting Large-Scale Deployment and Integration of Renewable Electricity By Wei Peng, Zhimin Mao, Michael R. Davidson
Chapter 4 - Enabling a Significant Nuclear Role in China’s Decarbonization: Loosening Constraints, Mitigating Risks By Matthew Bunn
Chapter 5 - Transitioning to Electric Vehicles By Henry Lee
Chapter 6 - From Barrier to Bridge: The Role of Coal in China’s Decarbonization By Michael R. Davidson
Chapter 7 - Coordinating Strategies to Reduce Air Pollution and Carbon Emissions in China By Wei Peng, Zhimin Mao
Chapter 8 - Conclusion By Henry Lee, Daniel P. Schrag
Recommended citation:
Lee, H., Schrag, D. P., Bunn, M., Davidson, M., Peng, W., Wang, P., & Mao, Z. (2021). Foundations for a Low-Carbon Energy System in China. Cambridge University Press.