Edward Elgar Publishing Politics of Renewable Energy in China (New Horizons in Environmental Politics series)

In this book, Chen Gang examines the real-world effectiveness of China's approach to the promotion of green technologies and practices, and discusses the political landscape in which it is situated. Politics of Renewable Energy in China questions the wisdom of hailing China as a model for authoritarian environmental governance with an up-to-date examination of the subject. It provides readers with a thorough and timely account of recent developments in China's low-carbon energy industries. Disclosing how energy interest groups are lobbying members of central government, and shedding light on disputes between pro-development and pro-environmental groups, this book explores the ideological and bureaucratic inconsistency and confusion which surrounds China's environmental policies. Emphasizing China's renewable energy policies, related enforcement issues and local political concerns over wind and solar generation, this book examines the extent to which China's centralised, top down approach has been effective in ensuring local actors reach policy targets. This up-to-date account of recent developments in Chinese low-carbon industries will be useful for readers with an interest in China's model of renewable energy industries, in particular students of Chinese and international politics. It will also be a valuable tool for researchers and professors of public and environmental policy, Chinese and climate studies. Review 'This book presents a solid reflection on a range of core topics which not only relate to the processes of, and interactions with, politics in energy markets, but more fundamentally that it outlines key players and institutions as well as many major evolutions of recent Chinese energy policy. The book usefully draws together a core summary of key evolutions in Chinese energy policy, and reflects on issues pertaining to the political economy of energy markets - a subject area one might argue is due a renewal in the academic literature.' - David C Broadstock, Economics of Energy & Environmental Policy About the Author Chen Gang, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore