Analysis of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions influencing factors in power sector across representative regions of China

JIA Min; GUO Jing; RUAN Jianhui; CAI Bofeng; WANG Jinnan

doi:10.13205/j.hjgc.202508021

Volume 43 Issue 8

Aug. 2025

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Article Navigation > ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING > 2025 > 43(8): 226-232

JIA Min, GUO Jing, RUAN Jianhui, CAI Bofeng, WANG Jinnan. Analysis of CO2 emissions influencing factors in power sector across representative regions of China[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(8): 226-232. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202508021

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JIA Min, GUO Jing, RUAN Jianhui, CAI Bofeng, WANG Jinnan. Analysis of CO₂ emissions influencing factors in power sector across representative regions of China[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(8): 226-232. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202508021

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Analysis of CO₂ emissions influencing factors in power sector across representative regions of China

doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202508021

1. School of Economics and Management, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China;
2. Center for Carbon Neutrality, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing 100043, China;
3. School of Economics and Management, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China

Received Date: 2025-05-26
Accepted Date: 2025-08-20
Rev Recd Date: 2025-06-20

Abstract

Abstract

Accurately quantifying CO₂ emissions from the power sector and identifying heterogeneity across generation units are critical for formulating effective decarbonization strategies. Here， we apply the IPCC-recommended methodology to estimate unit-level CO₂ emissions and intensities in representative Chinese provinces using detailed 2020 data on energy consumption， power generation， and heat output. A spatially disaggregated assessment across Shandong， Guangdong， Inner Mongolia， and Jiangsu—comprising 324 （489）， 123 （245）， 165 （255）， and 206 （276） plants （units）， respectively—reveals that Shandong and Jiangsu dominate in both electricity and heat supply， with coal-fired units remaining the primary contributors. In terms of absolute emissions， provinces with higher emission intensities also tend to contribute more to total CO₂ emissions. Coal-fired generation accounts for the majority of emissions， with sub-400 MW units dominating in Shandong and Inner Mongolia， and units above 400 MW dominating in Guangdong and Jiangsu. Units aged 15 to 20 years emerge as the main emission sources， although newer units clearly outperform older ones in energy efficiency. Our findings show substantial variation in CO₂ emission intensities across regions and unit types. Inner Mongolia and Shandong exhibit the highest intensities， while gas-fired units consistently outperform coal-fired units in emission performance. Larger units emit less CO₂ per output unit， and newer installations demonstrate significantly lower intensities than the older counterparts. This study provides a robust empirical foundation to support differentiated control strategies in China’s power sector， with implications for both near-term policy interventions and long-term climate planning.
- power sector,
- CO₂ emissions,
- unit-level analysis,
- fuel type,
- unit age

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References

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