Reaching carbon neutrality in China: Temporal and subnational limitations of renewable energy scale-up
Dec 1, 2025·,,,,,·
1 min read
Zhenhua Zhang
Ziheng Zhu
Jessica A. Gordon
Xi Lu
Da Zhang
Michael R. Davidson
Abstract
Acute temporal impacts and subnational limitations can hinder national decarbonization pathways. This study develops a spatially and temporally resolved capacity-expansion model for China’s power sector to examine decadal pathways to carbon neutrality. Results show that variable renewable energy deployment pressure increases across regions over time, with technology uncertainty and policy stringency exacerbating temporal and subnational bottlenecks. The paper highlights the need for national and local policy coordination to support feasible renewable scale-up.
Type
Publication
Advances in Applied Energy 2025, 20, 100238
This study connects power-system modeling with political-economy constraints by identifying when and where renewable deployment pressures may become binding in China’s transition pathway.
