Assessment of the level of sustainable development of Chinese provinces depending on the effective-ness of use of energy resources

Abstract

The article proposes a methodological approach that makes it possible to rank territories according to the level of sustainable development over time using the cluster analysis method. The approach is based on dividing regions into groups (clusters) according to selected indicators that reflect the economic, environmental and social development of the provinces. Testing of this approach on the example of the provinces of the People's Republic of China made it possible to identify the key factors that determine the movement of territories into sustainable development clusters. Based on the analysis of economic and energy policies in successful provinces, measures have been identified that contribute to the movement of provinces into clusters with a higher level of sustainable development. It is shown that the transition of provinces to clusters of a higher level of sustainable development is due to two main factors: - changing the structure of the energy balance due to access to pipeline natural gas (Yunnan, Heilongjiang provinces), development of nuclear (Liaoning province) and renewable energy (Guizhou, Hebei provinces); - increasing the environmental and economic efficiency of the use of energy resources by rationalizing energy production and energy consumption, as well as energy saving (provinces of Liaoning, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Qinghai, Henan, Anhui, Chongqing).