Quantifying the energy trilemma in China and assessing its nexus with smart transportation

Abstract

Purpose Mitigating the energy trilemma (ET) is of great importance for dealing with climate change and realizing carbon neutrality. To this end, effectively assessing the level of the ET is essential. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current situation and the spatio-temporal changes of the ET in the whole of China. Design/methodology/approach Moreover, based on provincial-level data in China for the period 2002–2017, and by using the dynamic estimation model, we aim to determine the specific marginal impacts of smart transportation (ST) on the ET, and the possible channels through which ST works on the ET. Findings We thus present the following findings: (1) The performance of both ET and its three pillars is gradually improving in China. Moreover, the situation tends to vary dramatically among various regions and provinces, and the gap between the best performers and the worst is large. (2) ST plays a significant role in inhibiting the ET, a finding that remains robust after a series of tests. And (3) the ET eradication effect of ST is caused mainly by improved innovation, advanced technical efficiency, and the increasing energy scale. Originality/value Accordingly, we put forward some policy recommendations to help tackle ET and accelerate ST in China.