Regional allocation of energy intensity reduction target: the case of Henan province in China

Abstract

Using a sample of 18 prefecture-level cities in Henan province, this study explored the regional allocation of energy intensity reduction targets from the following three viewpoints: equity principle with common but differentiated responsibilities; intensity reduction target fulfillment; and economic differences and reduction potential among regions. Based on a preliminary decomposition model, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Ward's hierarchical clustering, an intensity allocation method is proposed. First, the preliminary regional decomposition scheme is presented via the preliminary decomposition model. Then, a multi-criteria evaluation system consisting of four layers and covering 13 evaluation indicators is developed via the AHP method, and the evaluation results are analyzed via the cluster method to further improve the preliminary scheme. As decision makers may have different preferences when allocating the reduction burden, we allocate different weights to the indicators and analyze the results using a sensitivity analysis. The clustering results indicate that the 18 regions of Henan are divided into five categories, and each category has its own significant characteristics. Regions with high obligation and potential should share the largest reduction burden. The allocation results show that seven regions, including Zhengzhou and Luoyang, are expected from 2016 to 2020 to exceed the provincial average decrease rate of 16%.