Sun Chenzhou, Sun Shurui, Yue Xiaolu
School of Mathematical Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.
College of Economics and Finance, University of International Relations, Beijing, 100091, China.
Heliyon. 2024 May 17;10(10):e31355. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31355. eCollection 2024 May 30.
This paper aims to investigate whether China can reduce urban-rural energy inequality during its transition to low-carbon energy. Using data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2006 and 2019, we employ the system generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM) to investigate the correlation between low-carbon energy transition (LET) and urban-rural energy inequality. Furthermore, to investigate the mechanism, this study also considers energy service accessibility and industrial structure upgrading. The results of the study show that the degree of LET in China is increasing but with uneven spatial distribution. Moreover, LET is effective in reducing urban-rural energy inequality in China. Specifically, 1 % increase in LET corresponds to 0.045 % reduction in the urban-rural energy inequality index. Additionally, energy service accessibility and industrial structure upgrading are identified as effective channels for LET to mitigate urban-rural energy inequality. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that the alleviating impact of LET on energy inequality is more significant in regions where LET and urban-rural energy inequality levels are high. Drawing on our research results, we suggest policy recommendations to encourage the adoption of low-carbon energy sources and diminish urban-rural energy inequality.
本文旨在研究中国在向低碳能源转型过程中能否减少城乡能源不平等。利用2006年至2019年间中国30个省份的数据，我们采用系统广义矩估计法（SYS-GMM）来研究低碳能源转型（LET）与城乡能源不平等之间的相关性。此外，为了探究其机制，本研究还考虑了能源服务可及性和产业结构升级。研究结果表明，中国的LET程度在上升，但空间分布不均衡。此外，LET在中国减少城乡能源不平等方面是有效的。具体而言，LET每增加1%，城乡能源不平等指数就会降低0.045%。此外，能源服务可及性和产业结构升级被确定为LET缓解城乡能源不平等的有效渠道。此外，我们的研究表明，LET对能源不平等的缓解作用在LET和城乡能源不平等水平较高的地区更为显著。借鉴我们的研究结果，我们提出了政策建议，以鼓励采用低碳能源并减少城乡能源不平等。
