Assessment of Energy Low Carbon Transition in Northwest China Based on Dynamic Factor Analysis

Northwest China is not only rich in traditional energy resources, but also has abundant new energy resources, which make it an important energy base. In the context of the double carbon targets, the energy low carbon transition in Northwest China, as a key region of energy output, is of vital importance. This paper establishes an energy low carbon transition assessment indexes based on the energy supply, energy consumption and low-carbon efficiency, and uses dynamic factor analysis to measure the energy low carbon transition achievements in Northwest China. Based on the scores in Northwest China and other regions, the results of energy low carbon transition are ranked dynamically, and the reasons are analyzed statically according to the scores of each factor. The results show that Northwest China ranks low comparing with the other regions in China. Among them, Shaanxi ranked 13, Qinghai ranked 19, Gansu ranked 20, Ningxia ranked 23, and Xinjiang ranked 27. The reasons include that the economic situation is relatively backward, the transition of the traditional energy progresses slowly and there is difficulty in absorbing of new energy resources. Suggestions are proposed for the troubles of Northwest China to promote the further development of its energy low carbon transition.