Assessing regional clean energy progress: Lessons from China's power generation development

This study examines regional progress in clean energy development across China, focusing on the factors that contribute to successful implementation. Using the entropy method for quantitative analysis, the research evaluates clean energy advancements in various regions, categorizing them into four development trajectories: upward, downward, stable, and fluctuating. Key findings highlight the significant role of resource endowment in driving clean energy progress, particularly in the Southwest and Northwest regions of China. The study also reveals the inefficiencies of large-scale energy systems and their dependence on local resources. Consequently, future strategies should prioritize the establishment of efficient trading systems to promote the growth of clean energy and support carbon neutrality goals. The insights from this research provide valuable guidance for policymakers, scholars, and industry stakeholders in formulating data-driven strategies for a sustainable energy future. • Comprehensive analysis of regional clean energy development in China, considering factors like policy frameworks and technological advancements. • Quantitative assessment using the entropy method provides insights into the degrees of progress in each region. • Categorization of historical trajectories reveals diverse patterns in clean energy development over time. • Significant contributions from resource-rich regions underscore the importance of resource endowments.