Article
Business, Finance
Xian Sun, Ellen Jin Jiang, Phillip H. Phan, Hua Zhang
Summary: This paper examines the influence of public actors on private interests in various Chinese provinces. The study finds that the declining involvement of public actors in economic decisions during the 2012 anti-corruption campaign did not result in lower productivity in provinces with higher private sector participation, especially in unregulated industries and those not dominated by state-owned enterprises. This suggests that the accumulation of private wealth over the past 30 years may have strengthened market-driven norms of economic behavior, thus reinforcing the political economy against the volatility of public actors.
JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL STABILITY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Yue Guo, Lei Zhou, Jun Su, Peng Ru
Summary: This study explores the transitions in public acceptance of a new nuclear power plant during different construction phases and identifies the influencing factors. The results show that public acceptance increases over time and the factors influencing acceptance vary in different phases.
ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Xu, Kun Yang, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: This paper evaluates the economic viability of offshore wind power projects in China and examines the LCOE values of projects in six typical provinces. The results indicate that offshore wind power projects in China are profitable and the grid parity era is on the horizon.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Xu, Jiamei Pei, Jiahai Yuan, Guohao Zhao
Summary: Renewable energy, such as concentrated solar power (CSP), is crucial for energy savings and emission reduction. Despite cost obstacles, economic analysis shows that CSP technology, particularly solar tower technology, is approaching grid parity in China. Policy implications, such as preferential loans and tax incentives, are suggested to promote CSP development.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Economics
Mengjia Ren, Lee G. Branstetter, Brian K. Kovak, Daniel Erian Armanios, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: Despite China's ambitious investments in renewable energy, the country has seen accelerated growth in coal power investments, leading to concerns of overcapacity and hindering the promotion of cleaner energy. The decentralized approval authority for coal power projects has incentivized excessive entry into the sector, particularly in regions with high coal production. This has led to an additional 54GW of approved coal power capacity in 2015, accounting for about a quarter of the total approved capacity that year.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Lin, Xinqing Zou, Faming Huang, Yulong Yao
Summary: The operation of coastal nuclear power plants and thermal power plants can lead to regional sea surface temperature increases, with the effects mainly concentrated within 2 km offshore. The largest SST increase caused by thermal discharge was observed in summer, while the smallest was in winter. The impact extended up to 5 km offshore when the installed capacity exceeded 4000 MW.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sa Li, Xianyun Ai, Zhengwei Yu, Erqi Wang, Shanbiao Han
Summary: In this paper, the chemical characteristics and level of tritium, an artificial radionuclide, in the environment were studied. The monitoring medium and results of tritium in eight typical nuclear power plants are described. The data showed relatively high emission of tritium in heavy water reactor and background level in pressurized water reactor. Suggestions on strengthening the monitoring of radiation environment around nuclear power plants have been noted.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Feng-Xia Wu, Yang-Guang Gu, Qing-Xia Liu, Shu-Fei Zhang, Yi-Yong Rao, Hua-Xue Liu, Ming Dai, Yan-Guo Wang, Hong-Hui Huang
Summary: In this study, changes in zooplankton composition, abundance, and some species in response to environmental variation were investigated in Daya Bay over four seasons in 2020. A total of 129 taxa of zooplankton were identified, and the communities showed significant seasonal shifts in abundance and taxonomic composition. The results also revealed correlations between zooplankton abundance and indicator species with environmental parameters such as salinity, temperature, pH, and chlorophyll-a. The study highlights the potential impact of certain species on the cooling system of the nuclear power plant in Daya Bay.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Heshan Lin, Yaqin Huang, Yingyue Lin, Shuyi Zhang, Shihao Yu, Kun Liu, Jianfeng Mou, Junhui Lin, Xuebao He, Sujing Fu, Weijie Xie, Zhongbao Li
Summary: Biofouling adversely affects the efficiency and safety of coastal nuclear power plant cooling water systems. A 1-year simulation study conducted in Xinghua Bay, China revealed the dominance of nearshore warm-water species in the fouling organism community. The attachment period and thickness, density, and biomass of fouling organisms varied seasonally and the most detrimental species were identified. Effective prevention and control strategies should be implemented based on the larval attachment period of dominant fouling organisms. Research on the biological cycle and establishment of an early-warning model are crucial for pollution prevention and control.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sofia G. Simoes, A. T. M. Lima
Summary: The European Union aims to increase the installed capacity of low carbon power plants by 90% by 2030. A spreadsheet model is used to calculate the materials and resources required for new renewable and nuclear power plants, and their CO2e emissions are estimated. Three scenarios are considered for the decade 2020-2030: business as usual, EU manufacture, and circular economy. While circular economy measures reduce resource consumption, they do not significantly reduce carbon emissions. To achieve a circular economy scenario, resource-efficient power plant design and technological advancements in recycling processes are necessary.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ping Gong, Li Wang, Yigang Wei, Yunjiang Yu
Summary: This study investigates the public's attention, perception, and attitude towards nuclear power on social media in China. The findings indicate that nuclear power has gained increasing attention since 2015, driven by news events and online videos. Individual bloggers and media users play a significant role in information communication about nuclear power. Geospatially, the eastern coastal areas show higher attention compared to inland and western regions. People's perception focuses on the progress of nuclear power projects and accidents, and their attitude towards Chinese nuclear power projects and technologies is generally positive. This study offers an innovative methodological framework using social media data, expanding the research paradigm and dimension of public perception.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Youzhou Wei, Qing-Ping Zou, Xianghong Lin
Summary: China is promoting the development of its offshore wind industry to address environmental issues and economic development. The industry has evolved through different stages of pricing policies but faces the challenge of balancing capacity, price, and subsidies. To sustain its growth, China needs to implement a market-oriented competition price policy and learn from the experiences of European countries.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Min Liu, Kexin Zhang, Yiping Liang, Yuzhe Yang, Zhihui Chen, Wei Liu
Summary: This study evaluated and compared the environmental and economic performances of electric bicycles powered by four different types of batteries in China. The results show that lead-acid batteries have the worst environmental performance, while lithium iron phosphate batteries have the best. Motor production, which uses copper, has the highest potential for metal depletion and toxicity. The use stage brings the most environmental pressure related to energy use, but power cleaning can reduce most environmental indicators by 10-25%. Electric bicycles powered by lithium manganate batteries have been widely used, but their short lifetime and low economic value of recycling the battery may hinder their development.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianling Jiao, Jie Yang, Tao Ding
Summary: The development of the Environmental Protection Industry (EPI) has been hindered by the disordered and unbalanced allocation of production factors caused by the complex and diverse industry mix. This study adopts a micro perspective to analyze the EPI and finds that capital misallocation is worse than labor misallocation, with manufacturing misallocation being notably worse than other departments. Low factor allocation efficiency in Central and Northwest China is mainly due to the excessive concentration of factors within the manufacturing department and the lack of inputs in the other two departments.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Management
Garry D. Bruton, David Ahlstrom, Juanyi Chen
Summary: This article discusses why China should be considered as an emerged economy rather than an emerging one. Scholars should update their traditional views of China and focus on researching China as an aspirant economy.
ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Weirong Zhang, Yiou Zhou, Zhen Gong, Junjie Kang, Changhong Zhao, Zhixu Meng, Jian Zhang, Tao Zhang, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: Coal-fired power plays a critical role in China's compliance with the Paris Agreement. Research shows that stopping the construction of new coal-fired plants in China would reduce stranded coal assets and allow for a gradual phase-out of existing coal-fired power units.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongxin Liu, Jian Zhang, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: This paper analyzes the development trends of energy consumption and CO2 emissions in China, taking into account the country's economic and social development goals. The study forecasts different scenarios for energy consumption and CO2 emissions up to 2060, and suggests that China needs to enhance its post-2030 policy to achieve carbon neutrality. The three key driving forces for carbon neutrality identified in the study are steady energy efficiency improvement, radical industrial and energy restructuring.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiongjun Yang, Weirong Zhang, Defu Zhao, Changhong Zhao, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: This paper investigates the experience of decarbonization in the UK power sector and explores possible future transition pathways for China, based on the multi-level perspective approach.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Weirong Zhang, Mengjia Ren, Junjie Kang, Yiou Zhou, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: China has been facing overcapacity in coal power since 2016. This paper highlights the importance of implementing restrictive policies to minimize the risks of stranded assets.
Article
Thermodynamics
Anam Azam, Muhammad Ateeq, Muhammad Shafique, Muhammad Rafiq, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: This study is the first attempt to analyze the synergy between primary energy consumption, economic growth, natural resources, quality of government, financial development, and gross capital formation in the panel data of 30 developing countries from 1990 to 2017. The findings confirm that primary energy consumption, gross capital formation, financial development, and quality of government positively impact economic growth, and there is a feedback effect between primary energy consumption and other factors.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuanxin Liu, Chentong Ke, Liyan Yang, Hui Liu, Yalan Chen, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: Battery storage is considered essential for integrating intermittent renewable energy into the power grid. In China, it is currently promoted for grid-parity wind/solar projects with compulsory technical standards or voluntary allocation requirements. Mandatory policies drive the growth of battery storage, but their effectiveness decreases after 2028. The study suggests that policymakers should monitor technology advancements and adjust policies accordingly.
JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kai Zhang, Weirong Zhang, Quanyou Shi, Jian Zhang, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: The study reveals that China's power system will achieve near zero emissions by 2052 and reach negative carbon emissions of 225 million tons per year by 2060 under the carbon neutrality commitment. This will be achieved through the integration of high-share renewable energy and the deployment of disruptive technologies. The installed capacity of coal power cofiring with biomass will be 230GW, while biomass power equipped with carbon capture will have an installed capacity of 102GW. These efforts will result in a reduction of 30.32 billion tons of CO2 emissions during the 2021-2060 period, with contributions from demand-side management, new energy storage, cross-region power transmission, and carbon capture technology.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Jiahai Yuan, Xiaowen Yang, Yiou Zhou, Jian Zhang
Summary: China's target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 necessitates the phase-out of high-emissions coal power, which poses challenges for employment in the coal power industry. A vulnerability assessment reveals that a significant percentage of employment will be affected by the net-zero deadline, especially if coal power capacity increases. However, the majority of Chinese cities will not face unemployment risks, and a just transition management framework should be established to protect affected workers.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Anam Azam, Muhammad Rafiq, Muhammad Shafique, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: This study examines the dynamic relationship between green energy, employment, fossil fuel energy, and the human development index in 30 developing countries from 1990-2017, taking into account variables such as education, life expectancy, and poverty. The results show that green energy, education, life expectancy, and employment increase the human development index, while fossil fuel energy and poverty decrease the human development index. The findings suggest that developing countries should focus on developing and utilizing green energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuel energy.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jian Zhang, Ke Du, Jinyue Liu, Yushan Wang, Wen Zhang, Jiahai Yuan
Summary: To achieve the ambitious renewable energy goals, China has introduced policies to encourage the deployment of energy storage. However, the nationally unified energy storage co-deployment requirement negatively affects the economics of wind and photovoltaic generation, increasing the costs by 15% and 21% respectively. With the participation of energy storage in ancillary services market, the economics can be effectively improved.
JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Min Song, Can Hu, Jiahai Yuan, Anlu Zhang, Xuemei Liu
Summary: This article examines the evolutionary process of China's land use policies in the context of ecological civilization (EC). Through text mining of 220 national land use plans initiated in China between 1986 and 2021, the study provides an overview and deconstruction of China's land use policy evolution in the context of EC. The findings reveal that China's land use policies have evolved through three stages, with significant changes in the number, focus, goals, concepts, measures, and reform approaches of the policies. The transformation in land use policies centers around four dimensions, which align with the governance concepts of efficient development, symbiosis of humans and nature, social harmony, and green development in EC.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Defu Zhao, Jiahai Yuan, Shan Fu, Yan Song, Yuan Wang, Yanyan Liu, Jian Zhang
Summary: A detailed investigation is conducted on the nexus between economic growth and energy use in 30 Chinese provinces between 2000-2019, aiming at formulating sustainable development policies. Panel modeling and a neoclassical production function are employed for comprehensive empirical analysis. The study reveals long-term co-integration linkages among economic growth, energy use, capital stock, and labor. The findings indicate that total energy consumption, electricity consumption, capital stock, and labor significantly influence economic growth at the national and regional levels in China. The policy implications for the sustainable development of both energy and the economy are provided.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POPULATION RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiahai Yuan, Weirong Zhang, Qixia Shen, Lilin Zhang, Yiou Zhou, Changhong Zhao, Jin Yang, Jian Zhang
Summary: This study evaluates the impacts of emissions allowance allocation benchmark designs in China's carbon emissions trading system. It also estimates the marginal clearing price and power supply cost in the Guangdong power market under electricity-carbon market coupling with unit commitment and economic dispatch model. The findings suggest that a more stringent allowances allocation benchmark is necessary for carbon price discovery. Furthermore, proper reimbursement of flexible resources and a tax program to promote renewable energy investment can enhance the synergy between the electricity and carbon markets.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiahai Yuan, Yao Wang, Weirong Zhang, Jian Zhang
Summary: Being a major carbon-emitting country, China has the potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) applications, but the economics is crucial for the deployment. This study calculates the province-level levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for operational coal-fired power plants after post-combustion carbon capture (CC) retrofitting and compares the costs of captured CO2 and avoided CO2. It also analyzes the economics of CC-retrofitted coal-fired power plants co-firing with biomass (BECC). The study concludes that the development of the carbon market with effective carbon price signals and proper power market mechanisms is critical to the rollout of CCS in China.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dong Sun, Yan-Yan Liu, Xiao-Wen Yang, Liang-Qiu Lyu, Jia-Hai Yuan
Summary: The article discusses the impact of China's low-carbon energy transition on the economy and employment, pointing out that the transition will have a negative impact on the coal industry, but a positive effect on the machinery manufacturing and equipment industry. Accelerating the energy transition can increase output and employment in the long term, and the government should establish a comprehensive and just transition mechanism.
ADVANCES IN CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH
(2022)