Impact of renewable energy technology innovation on carbon intensity and carbon peaking policy in China.

This article examines the impact of renewable energy technology innovation (RENTI) on carbon dioxide (CO₂) intensity across 30 provinces in China from 2004 to 2018, using augmented mean group (AMG) and pooled mean group-autoregressive distributive lag (PMG-ARDL) models. The study finds that RENTI significantly reduces CO₂ intensity nationally, with the strongest effects observed in the economically developed eastern region, followed by the central region, while the western region shows an insignificant impact due to lower RENTI levels. The authors recommend region-specific policies to enhance RENTI, increased financial support, talent cultivation, accelerated research and development, and rural renewable energy market development to help China achieve its carbon peak goal by 2030. The findings highlight the role of technological innovation in renewable energy as a key strategy for reducing carbon emissions in China's pursuit of a low-carbon economy.