Assessing the sustainable development of energy systems in the western provinces of China

Subject. This article discusses the heterogeneity of China's economic space. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the interconnection between energy, economic, social, and environmental systems at the regional level. Methods. For the study, I used the entropy method. Results. The article presents an author-developed system of indexes that helps conduct a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of energy, economic, social, and environmental systems. The article finds that coal consumption in the western provinces of China has decreased, but coal still dominates the energy consumption structure, which limits the opportunities for ensuring the sustainable development of the energy system. Conclusions. It is necessary to limit the growth of industries characterized by a significant level of environmental pollution, high energy consumption, and low efficiency.