Industrial structure optimization in central China under the energy constraint

Optimizing industrial structure is an important research object of human-economic geography, and it is also the object of government departments to strengthen macro-control. This has become even greater problem that China has entered the new normal in recent years. The study uses a multi-regional input-output model, with linear programming to build an optimal model of industrial structure as well as a model of optimization degree under the energy constraint. The results of the study revealed that: ( 1) the degree of optimization of industrial structure in Anhui Province is optimal ( 0.763), while that of Shanxi Province is the lowest ( 0.662); ( 2) the degree of optimization of industrial structure is negatively related to energy consumption per unit output value and the proportion of heavy industry; and ( 3) overall, central China should maintain or moderately increase the proportions of resource-based industry, greatly increase the proportions of manufacturing, including transport and telecommunications equipment, computers and other electronic equipment, and moderately reduce the proportions of smelting and pressing of metals and non-metal mineral products. In terms of service industries, the region should greatly increase the proportions of the production and supply of natural gas and tap water, moderately reduce or maintain the proportions of transport and storage as well as tourism, and maintain or moderately reduce the proportions of wholesale trade, retail trade and catering services.