The impact of ultra-high voltage projects on carbon emissions in China

The inter-regional ultra-high voltage (UHV) projects are crucial for power systems. Carbon emissions associated with the power sector cannot be ignored. In this paper, based on the panel data of 198 prefecture-level cities in China from 2009 to 2019, a multi-period difference-in-difference model is developed for the first time to examine the impact of UHV projects on carbon emissions. Empirical results show that UHV projects increase overall carbon emissions. This impact can also be achieved through the mechanisms of the scale of power generation and the level of economic development. Heterogeneity research demonstrates that the carbon emissions issue of UHV projects is more significant in cities with low levels of economic development and a large proportion of secondary industries. Extensibility research shows that UHV projects have a more significant impact on carbon emissions in power-sending cities than that in power-receiving cities. The more clean power the UHV transmission lines transmit, the less impact on carbon emissions. This study not only enhances our understanding about the impact of UHV projects on carbon emissions, but also provides inspiration for the low-carbon pathway transition.