Foundations for a Low-Carbon Energy System in China

Overview of how decisions by China on climate, energy, and environmental policy will influence the country's capacity to decarbonize.

Henry Lee (Author), Daniel P. Schrag (Author), Matthew Bunn (Author), Michael Davidson (Author), Wei Peng (Author), Wang Pu (Author), Mao Zhimin (Author)

9781108842389, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 December 2021

250 pages
25.1 x 17.5 x 1.7 cm, 0.502 kg

'Highly recommended. All readers.' L. E. Erickson, CHOICE

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.

1. Introduction Henry Lee, Daniel Schrag
2. Reforming China's electricity market to facilitate low-carbon transition Pu Wang
3. Promoting large-scale deployment and integration of renewable electricity Peng Wei, Zhimin Mao and Michael R. Davidson
4. Enabling a significant nuclear role in China's decarbonization: loosening constraints, mitigating risks Matthew Bunn
5. Transitioning to electric vehicles Henry Lee
6. From barrier to bridge: the role of coal in China's decarbonization Michael R. Davidson
7. Coordinating strategies to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions in China Wei Peng and Zhimin Mao
8. Conclusion Henry Lee and Daniel Schrag
Index.

Subject Areas: Environmental monitoring [TQD], Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ], Social impact of environmental issues [RNT], Environmental factors [MBNH2], International environmental law [LBBP], Environmental economics [KCN], International relations [JPS]