Path Selection and Policy Study for theCarbon Neutrality Required Technology

Abstract

The carbon neutrality goal is of far-reaching influence to China’s socioeconomicsystems. Domestically, carbon neutrality will promote China’s high-qualityeconomic development and green transition. Internationally, it represents an opportunityfor China to lead the global low-carbon technology development. Yet daunting challengeslie ahead for this ambitious goal to be achieved in such a short time. As a driving force oftechnology progress, innovation plays a pivotal role in achieving carbon neutrality, butis faced with many obstacles in China, including the currently low level of innovation,institutional inadequacies, lack of innovation input, and inadequate fundamental conditions.Under the vision of carbon neutrality, we should identify technology innovation pathwayson the three aspects of energy supply, energy consumption and carbon sink. Following thosetechnology pathways, progress should be made in technology development in various stageswith different priorities and objectives based on China’s energy mix and industrial carbonemission characteristics. On the policy side, we should deepen top-down design, enhancestrategic researches, expedite technology development and commercialization, and fosterR&D talents to bring out the full potentials of technology innovation in supporting carbonneutrality.