The evolution of rural energy policies in China: A review

Rural institutional settings and policies have played an essential role in shaping China's rural energy system. Based on a mix of 275 rural energy policies and extensive literature, this paper reviews the history of rural energy policies and key policy instruments in China from 1949 to 2018. In view of socioeconomic context and rural energy issues, the evolution background of rural energy policies is divided into four distinct stages: a centrally planned economy (1949-1978), transiting from a planned economy to a market economy (1979-1996), dynamic development of the market economy system (1997-2006), and perfection of the market economy system (2007-2018). In parallel, rural energy policies have experienced four evolution stages of: stagnation, initial development, boom, and perfection. In each period, the characteristics and implementation effects of rural energy policies are analyzed. Three main policy instruments, including subsidies, rural electrification projects, and biogas projects are also assessed. The main results are as follows: (1) a comprehensive rural energy policy is lacking, and most policies are focused on techno-economic aspects; (2) most rural energy policies are problem-oriented and deficient in predictability; (3) the regional heterogeneity of rural residents' willingness and interests are not adequately considered in rural energy policies; (4) the current rural energy administrative system restricts the implementation of rural energy policies; and (5) the role of the energy market system has been overlooked. Finally, the paper provides corresponding policy implications.