Work

Multilevel emission impacts of electrification and coal pathways in China’s net-zero transition

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Decarbonizing China’s energy system requires both cleaner power and electrification of end-use sectors. We find that while coal power dominates, rapid electrification does not significantly increase emissions, even with a slower coal phase-out. Nevertheless, a 10-year delay in phasing out coal could raise global peak temperatures by 0.02°C. Electrification, when paired with green hydrogen and energy efficiency, could help reduce emissions and avoid an additional 0.035°C of warming by 2060, challenging the sequential understanding of the “order of abatement.”

Source: Joule

DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2025.101945

Authors: Chen Chris Gong, Falko Ueckerdt, Christoph Bertram, Yuxin Yin, David Bantje, Robert Pietzcker, Johanna Hoppe, Robin Hasse, Michaja Pehl, Simón Moreno-Leiva, Jakob Duerrwaechter, Jarusch Muesse, Gunnar Luderer

Institutions: Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, University of Maryland, College Park, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Technische Universität Berlin

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Policy and Economics

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $9,350

Funders: Directorate-General for Climate Action, Energy Foundation, European Commission, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Tsinghua University, National Development and Reform Commission, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, HORIZON EUROPE Climate, Energy and Mobility

Awards: ENABLING AND LEVERAGING CLIMATE ACTION TOWARDS NET-ZERO EMISSIONS, G2613310945, China-Pilotprojekte - Verbundprojekt: Integrierte empirische Analyse von Klimaschutzmaßnahmen und lokaler Luftverschmutzung (INTEGRATE), Teilprojekt 1: Berücksichtigung von Unternehmensstrukturen und Konsumentenverhalten, G3829876644, G3900813239, G4236513026, G4895807610, G6254744314, ENABLING AND LEVERAGING CLIMATE ACTION TOWARDS NET-ZERO EMISSIONS, Verbundvorhaben ARIADNE: Evidenzbasiertes Assessment für die Gestaltung der deutschen Energiewende - Teilvorhaben A, FLExibilize combined cycle power plant through power-to-X solutions using non-CONventional FUels, Verbundvorhaben ARIADNE: Evidenzbasiertes Assessment für die Gestaltung der deutschen Energiewende - Teilvorhaben N0

OpenAlex ID: W4410089896

FWCI: 11.56

Cites: 63

Cited by: 12

Related to: 10