Identification of key provinces and sectors for energy conservation in China : linkage analyses based on the modified hypothetical extraction method

The aim of this study was to identify the key provinces and sectors for energy conservation in China. First, this study extended the traditional multi-regional input-output (MRIO) table and established an energy consumption MRIO (EMRIO) model. The energy consumption linkages of 30 provinces in China were quantitatively analyzed by combining EMRIO model and modified hypothetical extraction method. Then, a new method is proposed to identify key provinces and sectors for energy consumptions. Finally, the key provinces and sectors of energy conservation and development encouraged in China were identified. The results of the total selection indices of key provinces showed that the key development-encouraged provinces were mostly developed provinces, such as Beijing (0.4), Shanghai (0.49), and Guangdong (0.54). The key energy conservation provinces were mostly less-developed provinces, such as Ningxia (2.56), Qinghai (2.14), and Xinjiang (1.88). According to the total selection indices of key sectors, the key energy conservation sectors in key energy conservation provinces were mostly Industry, Transportation, and Construction. The key development-encouraged sectors in key development-encouraged provinces were mostly Agriculture, Retail and Catering, and Others.