Technological Learning, Energy Efficiency, and Co2 Emissions in China's Energy Intensive Industries

41 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016

See all articles by Michael T. Rock

Michael T. Rock

Bryn Mawr College

Michael Toman

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Yuanshang Cui

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Kejun Jiang

Energy Research Institute of NDRC (ERI)

Yun Song

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Yanjia Wang

Tsinghua University

Date Written: June 1, 2013

Abstract

Since the onset of economic reforms in 1978, China has been remarkably successful in reducing the carbon dioxide intensities of gross domestic product and industrial production. Most analysts correctly attribute the rapid decline in the carbon dioxide intensity of industrial production to rising energy prices, increased openness to trade and investment, increased competition, and technological change. China's industrial and technology policies also have contributed to lower carbon dioxide intensities, by transforming industrial structure and improving enterprise level technological capabilities. Case studies of four energy intensive industries -- aluminum, cement, iron and steel, and paper -- show how the changes have put these industries on substantially lower carbon dioxide emissions trajectories. Although the changes have not led to absolute declines in carbon dioxide emissions, they have substantially weakened the link between industry growth and carbon dioxide emissions.

Keywords: Energy Production and Transportation, Technology Industry, ICT Policy and Strategies, Environmental Economics & Policies, Energy and Environment

Suggested Citation

Rock, Michael T. and Toman, Michael and Cui, Yuanshang and Jiang, Kejun and Song, Yun and Wang, Yanjia, Technological Learning, Energy Efficiency, and Co2 Emissions in China's Energy Intensive Industries (June 1, 2013). World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 6492, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2281731

Michael T. Rock

Bryn Mawr College ( email )

Michael Toman

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) ( email )

1818 H. Street N.W.
MSN3-311
Washington, DC 20433
United States

Yuanshang Cui

affiliation not provided to SSRN

No Address Available

Kejun Jiang

Energy Research Institute of NDRC (ERI) ( email )

China

Yun Song

affiliation not provided to SSRN

No Address Available

Yanjia Wang

Tsinghua University

Beijing, 100084
China

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