Selection preference and effectiveness quantification of provincial energy security policies in China

Abstract

Energy security constitutes a pivotal determinant in safeguarding the seamless functioning of economies. This research endeavours to shed light on the underlying predilections and potential scopes for enhancement within China's provincial energy security policies. By delving into an array of policy documents procured from the esteemed Legal Information Network of Peking University, it offers a meticulous exploration. Employing sophisticated text analysis methodologies, the study constructs a two‐tier analytical framework, meticulously encapsulating both the policy instruments employed and the intricate processes of their execution. Leveraging the power of Nvivo 12 Plus software, pertinent policy contents are systematically coded, with those aligning with the defined analytical dimensions aggregated for frequency computations. Furthermore, a Policy Measurement and Categorization (PMC) index model is devised, harnessing word frequency statistical data to assign a quantitative assessment to the policies under scrutiny. The empirical results demonstrate a noteworthy disparity in the adoption of policy tools among various provinces, with command‐and‐control mechanisms, economic incentive structures, and societal engagement strategies emerging as the most recurrent policy types. Among the energy security policies scrutinized, approximately 84.85% were categorized as effective, while a smaller yet significant portion, 6.06%, was classified as outstanding. Despite the overall robustness of China's provincial energy security policies, the investigation identifies several avenues for further refinement. The study suggests that the government could bolster these measures through intensified focus on transformative adjustments to energy structures, augmentation of green loan guarantee systems, and fostering enhanced inter‐sectoral collaboration. These strategic enhancements may serve as key levers to propel China's provincial energy security policies towards even greater effectiveness and resilience.