Environmental impact of electricity relocation: A quasi-natural experiment from interregional electricity transmission

摘要: Abstract Pollutants such as sulfur would concentrate in the source regions and thus localized impacts are more obvious. Local balance of electricity by transporting coal has resulted dense concentration coal-fired power plants load centers caused severe environmental problems. Electricity relocation through interregional transmission is another choice for energy transportation to achieve across pollution mitigation. Using (IRET) lines China a quasi-natural experiment, this paper assesses impact relocation. In assessment, grid organization “province executor” considered because it affects sphere IRET's influence on Here we show benefits We find that, leads growth rate dioxide (SO 2 ) emission decreasing 7% landing areas Sichuan province most from It interesting that there no significant increase SO sending compared counterfactuals if had IRET due integration clean improved efficiency areas. Placebo study robustness check results quite convincing. Therefore, provides an appealing China's control eastern region, not necessarily at cost western region. The methodology can be applied assess other program or policy elsewhere.