China unveiled its inaugural electricity carbon footprint factor data in late January, marking a milestone in domestic carbon accounting.

The data covers a wide range of energy sectors, from coal-fired power generation to biomass power energies, as well as clean energies like gas, hydroelectric, nuclear, wind, photovoltaic and solar thermal power, as well as their transmission and distribution.

The data, based on information gathered from related industries in 2023, was jointly released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the National Energy Administration. It will be used to calculate the carbon footprint of electricity production and consumption across various industries.

Prior to this release, foreign databases relied solely on outdated and inflated default values to analyze China's greenhouse gas emissions. The new data will more accurately reflect the progress China has made in recent years toward green and low-carbon energy transformation.

The research methodology is on par with international standards, laying the groundwork for mutual recognition of factors. The measurement process is grounded in a comprehensive analysis of typical and representative cases, with most data sourced from domestic enterprises.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, the case studies for calculating the electricity carbon footprint factors have been selected to incorporate regional representation, type diversity and key influencing factors. This approach ensures the results are more consistent with the objective reality of China's power development and demonstrates the latest achievements in China's power structure optimization and technological advancement.

Take the calculations for the coal-fired power generation as an example. Over a hundred units were selected as case studies, covering 26 provincial-level regions. They encompass mainstream coal-fired power generation types such as varying capacity levels, pressure parameters and combustion modes.

Similarly, wind and photovoltaic power generation cases consider the distribution of China's wind and solar resources, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate representation.

The use of international standards to release power carbon footprint factor data in line with the actual situation of China will fill a gap in domestic data and solve the urgent needs of enterprises, and promote China's carbon footprint management and international data convergence.

This initiative will drive the green and low-carbon transformation of industrial and supply chains, foster the development of new quality productive forces, and support the realization of China's "dual carbon" goals.