A System Analysis of the Emerging Concept of “Inter-regional Justice of Energy Transition” in China

Abstract

During the low-carbon development of China, the different capacity and impact of energy transition among regions has raised an issue of inter-regional justice. However, there are few studies on it, and even basic concepts are lacking. This study proposed the definition of the concept “inter-regional justice of energy transition” (IRJET) based on a system approach. First, the connotations and cross-fields of three basic concepts of “justice transition”, “energy transition”, and “coordinated regional development” are analysed and compared based on China’s background. Second, we take Shanxi Province as a typical case to identify the barriers of IRJET. Third, action suggestions are proposed, combined the policy mechanism of China’s carbon peak policy and the EU’s just transition mechanism. The results indicated that “IRJET” means during the low-carbon energy transition, some regions with concentrated traditional and high-emission industries must be protected to avoid serious losses for current generation’s need satisfaction, while the whole country can be prosperous and carbon reduction targets can be realized. The main barriers include lacking of a clear positioning of each region for multi-regional cooperation in the low-carbon energy transition, lacking of a policy mechanism to balance benefits and costs among regions, lacking of a multi-regional energy and carbon market mechanism that can fully considers the needs of each region，inefficient talent and fund guarantee mechanism. To end this up, national governments should clarify the significance and requirements of IRJET. Cross regional enterprises should layout high-quality industries in disadvantage regions. Local governments should actively participate in energy transition and actively reduce the impact of transition.