Carbon Emission Intensity of Final Electricity Consumption: Assessment and Decomposition of Regional Power Grids in China from 2005 to 2020

Abstract

Electricity consumption is a crucial source of carbon emissions. Many studies have focused on the emissions relevant to electricity generation, yet it is also important to evaluate the carbon intensity of final electricity use for the emission assessment of various industries. Considering fossil fuel consumption, regional exchange, and transmission loss, this study proposed a method to assess the emission intensities of electricity generation, supply, and use. Based on statistical data, the carbon intensities of North, Northeast, East, Central, Northwest, and South China power grids were evaluated during the period from 2005 to 2020, and the driving factors including energy structure, energy intensity, clean production, supply structure, and power loss effects were discussed using Logistic Mean Divided Index (LMDI) decomposition. An overall descending trend was observed for the carbon intensity, and the national average carbon intensities of electricity generation, supply, and use were 0.599, 0.599, and 0.622 kgCO2e/kWh, respectively. The carbon intensity of South China gird was the lowest at 0.425 kgCO2e/kWh in 2020. Moreover, the energy intensity effect and clean production effect were identified as the most influential factors of carbon intensity. The proposed method and results can be helpful to assess carbon emissions relevant to final electricity use.