Navigating the energy transition with the Carbon-Energy-Green-Electricity scheme: An industrial chain-based approach for China's carbon neutrality

In exploring the intricate dynamics of China's energy transition towards a national certificate trading market, this study harnesses a two-stage game model to unravel the nuanced decision-making within the intertwined carbon emissions trading, energy-consumption permit trading, and electricity markets. A novel industrial chain-based policy framework, i.e., the Carbon-Energy-Green-Electricity (CEGE) scheme, is introduced to address the complexity inherent in aligning these trading markets towards carbon neutrality goals. Findings reveal that the current isolated energy transition policies lead to increased electricity prices and imposes redundant regulatory burdens on power companies. By advocating for the CEGE scheme, the study presents a strategic approach to alleviate these challenges, highlighting its potential to lower electricity costs and foster more efficient carbon reduction efforts. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of integrating energy transition policies, including CET, ECPTS, the renewable portfolio standards (RPS), and the tradable green certificate program (TGC), to enhance renewable energy adoption, offering a path to relieve financial pressures on households while supporting broader environmental and economic welfare improvements.