China's energy transition: features and drivers

Since the 1990s China has been undergoing an energy transition. Increasing dependence on foreign hydrocarbons is the transformation's most striking feature, leading much analysis of China's energy system toward geo-strategic studies. This article analyses a) the features defining the transition – not exclusively dependence on foreign oil markets – highlighting continuities and ruptures with tradition; and b) relations between the transformation and three elements of China's current development phase: i) strong growth and changing industrial specialisation, ii) transport expansion and iii) urbanisation and new consumption habits. If these elements are indeed drivers, and if they persist, current features of the transition (including growing dependence on external markets) will continue.