Structural representation and optimization path of energy policy under the carbon neutral vision

China's carbon-neutral vision imposes stricter and more urgent requirements for the transformation of the energy structure. The transformation and optimization of the energy structure is a crucial condition and measure for achieving the carbon neutrality goal. Studying the policy structure logic, such as the characteristics of policy subjects, policy tool selection preferences, and policy themes, has practical implications for the optimization of energy structure and the realization of carbon-neutrality goals. Based on the theory of policy structure, this study develops a three-dimensional analytical framework of "policy subject-policy tool-policy focus". It employs various methods, such as policy tool mining, to perform textual analysis on 122 energy policies within the carbon-neutral vision. Through layer-by-layer coding and sub-item analysis, we explore the formal characteristics of policy texts and policy tool selection preferences from the dimensions of a hierarchical system, department distribution, and time series and comprehend the current focus of energy structure transformation policy. The study found that policy subjects involved a wide range of departments and a large number of departments, showing a certain degree of synergy, but the cross-departmental coordination and cooperation of policy subjects had not been formed; changes in the timing and number of policy releases were closely related to the top-level strategic arrangements of the country; policy direction guidance was clear and rich in content, but policy content is suspended and fragmented; there are various types of policy tools, mainly using environmental policy tools, but the imbalance and isomorphism of the use of various types of policy tools are exposed; the policy focus includes three aspects: controlling the intensity and total amount of energy consumption, adjusting the energy consumption of key industries structure, deepen institutional reform and encourage scientific and technological innovation. The carbon-neutral vision proposal is of great value for China to demonstrate its responsibility as a major country to build a community with a shared future for humanity and to internalize the concept of ecological civilization. The optimization of the energy structure is one of the core components of realizing the carbon-neutral vision. At this stage, the current policy strongly demonstrates China's top-down policy determination for green and low-carbon development, but we also cannot ignore the fact that China's energy revolution is under intense pressure. The transformation of energy structures is a complex social system project. Under the current transformation of energy structures beset by intense pressure and difficulties, there is room for improvement in the energy policy of my country. Based on the current policy framework and the emerging policy structure, the optimization path of energy policy in the future should focus on the following characteristics: 1) improving the coordination and linking of policy entities and establishing a cross-departmental and regional energy structure optimization mechanism; 2) emphasizing the connection and refinement of policy content. All departments and local governments should further refine and develop action and work plans based on the central policy guidelines; 3) concentrate on combining and balancing policy tools, as well as conducting research on the proportion and structure of the three types of policy tools: supply, demand, and environment. Adjust and optimize to maximize the combined effect of multiple policy tools.