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Review | Open Access | Online First

Energy sector decarbonization in China: macro challenges, supporting technologies and systems, and policy recommendations

Siyue Guo1, Xian Zhang2, Xiaodan Huang3,4, Yuyan Weng1, Weichen Zhao5, Da Zhang1(), Xiliang Zhang1()
Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100086, China
The Administrative Centre for China’s Agenda 21 (ACCA21), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Beijing 100038, China
Tsinghua-CTG Joint Center for Climate Governance and Low-carbon Transformation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100086, China
Institute of Industrial Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection, China Center for Information Industry Development, Beijing 100068, China
The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
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Abstract

Energy sector decarbonization is a key battleground in China’s march toward carbon neutrality, and understanding what it means and takes is crucial for its policy-making and sustainable implementation. Here we analyze the structural challenges and review the necessary supporting technologies and systems of energy sector decarbonization in China. It requires not only supporting technologies such as energy efficiency, zero-carbon energy, and carbon capture, utilization and storage, but also enabling systems such as the transmission, distribution and storage system, carbon governance mechanisms, and risk alleviation systems addressing risks of renewables waste and critical mineral supply. A technology roadmap highlighting techno-economics, environmental impact, technology innovation, and carbon market mechanisms is needed to facilitate energy sector decarbonization in China.

Keywords

Energy sectordecarbonizationtechnology developmentinnovation

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Technology Review for Carbon Neutrality
DOI: 10.26599/TRCN.2025.9550003
Cite this article:
Guo S, Zhang X, Huang X, et al. Energy sector decarbonization in China: macro challenges, supporting technologies and systems, and policy recommendations. Technology Review for Carbon Neutrality, 2024, https://doi.org/10.26599/TRCN.2025.9550003
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Key indicators of China’s energy sector in 2021 and 2060.

20212060
Energy consumption (billion tce)5.35–6
Carbon emissions (GtCO2)10.6below 1
Electricity consumption (PWh)8.514–18
Share of renewable and nuclear energy16.7%More than 80%
CO2 captured from CCUS (GtCO2)/20–25