Publications
Article type
Sort:
Open Access Article Issue
IMACLIM-China-MORE: A hybrid model for analyzing greenhouse gases neutrality pathways
Energy and Climate Management 2026, 2(2): 9400032
Published: 20 May 2026
Abstract PDF (6.2 MB) Collect
Downloads:188

Designing effective carbon-neutrality policy for China requires models that capture interactions between technology-oriented energy transitions and economy-wide responses. However, most assessments use either bottom-up energy models or top-down computable general equilibrium (CGE) models in isolation, which limits pathway insights. We develop IMACLIM–China-MORE, an iteratively coupled hybrid model that links the TIMES-based China-MORE 2.0 energy-system optimization model with IMACLIM-CHN, a single-region, 18-sector CGE model. The two models exchange prices, energy-service demands, activity levels, and abatement schedules under harmonized accounts, and the coverage extends from CO2 to methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. We apply the framework to three scenarios: Current Policies, CO2 Neutrality, and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Neutrality. Under CO2 Neutrality, the power and industrial sectors deliver the largest near-term reductions, but about 1.5 GtCO2e non-CO2 emissions remain in 2060. Under GHG Neutrality, net-zero CO2 is achieved by around 2055 and non-CO2 emissions fall to about 0.8 GtCO2e in 2060, which would need to be offset by carbon-removal options. The additional macroeconomic costs of moving from CO2 to GHG neutrality are moderate overall, although the agriculture and food sectors face relatively larger impacts, and investment in the energy system increases by about one third. IMACLIM–China-MORE provides a transparent, policy-relevant platform to evaluate trade-offs among technology choices, macroeconomic outcomes, and multi-gas mitigation on China’s path to GHG neutrality.

Total 1