Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Strategies for Vehicles and Transport Systems in China

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Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Strategies for Vehicles and Transport Systems in China

Huo, Hong

Abstract Worldwide, the transport sector is a leading contributor to both energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It currently accounts for 19 % of global energy use and 23 % of global energy-related CO2 emissions. In China, transport contributed 7–8 % to the nation’s GHG emissions, but this value will increase rapidly in the coming years because China is in a period of significant growth in travel demand and vehicle ownership. Numerous actions have been taken to reduce the energy demand and GHG emissions for the transport sector, such as implementing fuel economy standards, promoting advanced vehicles and alternative fuels, and developing a high-speed railway system. This chapter analyses previous and soon-to-be implemented policies to control energy use and GHG emissions from transport in China, and then discusses the challenges and opportunities for China in building a low-carbon, clean, and sustainable transport system. Currently, technical measures to improve the fuel efficiency of transport dominate Chinese policy solutions, but a long-term strategy to decrease energy use and GHG emissions from China’s transport system will likely rely on improving the railway transport system.