Research on the synergies between low-carbon pilot city policy and high-speed railways in improving Chinese urban electricity efficiency

Purpose Global climate change is a serious threat to the survival and development of mankind. Reducing carbon emissions achieving neutrality are keys reducing greenhouse gas promoting sustainable human development. For many countries, taking China as an example, electric power sector main contributor country’s emissions, well key for neutrality. The low-carbon transition great significance long-term economy. Therefore, on one hand, it necessary improve energy supply structure side increase proportion new in total supply. On other utilization efficiency demand control primary consumption by improving efficiency, which most direct effective way reduce emissions. Improving realizing industry requires synergies between government market. purpose this study investigate individual synergistic effects China’s policy opening urban high-speed railways (HSRs) electricity measured per unit gross domestic product (GDP). Design/methodology/approach This uses panel 289 Chinese prefecture-level cities from years 1999–2019 sample time-varying difference-in-difference method test relationship HSR, pilot efficiency. In addition, instrumental variable adopted make robustness check. Findings Empirical results show that HSR operation would GDP, occur both operated cities. Research limitations/implications has limitations provide possible starting points future studies. first limitation choice proxy market factors. second existing data only about whether rail opened or not city, there no more informative combine two aspects. Practical implications findings can inform policymakers regulators city policies. should consider market-level factors addition Only combining various influencing efficient use be effectively achieved so achieve goal Social From social perspective, indicate dependent joint efforts Originality/value provides quantitative evidence assess synergic effect industry. Particularly, best authors’ knowledge, comprehend role construction