Can China's energy policies achieve the "dual carbon" goal? A multi-dimensional analysis based on policy text tools

Abstract The continuous increase in global temperatures and frequency of extreme weather events underscore the urgency of achieving "dual carbon" goals. Systematically examining the textual characteristics of energy policies under the "dual carbon" framework, synthesizing the implementation pathways of "dual carbon" initiatives contribute to enhancing comprehension, execution, and optimisation of these policies. This study selecting 409 energy policies under the "dual carbon" goals issued by the central government, the State Council, and ministries from 1992 to 2022 as samples, using policy econometrics and content analysis methods, external characteristics of energy policies including publication time, publication type, and publication subject were analysed. Multidimensional content analysis was conducted for policy tools, objectives, and participants. The implementation path of the "dual carbon" goals was summarised. The study found that China's energy policy under "dual carbon" target has undergone four development stages before and after the release of the energy policy, and energy policy system has been continuously supplemented and improved. Various energy policy tools, diverse policy participants, and policy objectives are of concern and focus. From the "tool-subject-target" perspective, six paths for the implementation of "double carbon" targets in China's energy field are summarised. The energy policy under the "dual carbon" goal has problems such as lack of laws and regulations, over-use of environmental policy tools, uneven distribution in the internal segmentation of policy tools, insufficient involvement of market players and the public, and insufficient attention to the reform of energy systems and mechanisms and the goal of establishing energy-saving and low-carbon concepts.