Research on the pathway of digital technology to drive China’s energy sector to achieve its carbon neutrality goal

With global climate change looming large, there is an urgent need for China’s energy sector to take steps towards carbon neutrality. This study aims to explore how digital technologies can contribute to the pathway for China’s energy sector to achieve carbon neutrality. By analyzing carbon neutrality policies and digital technology applications, we propose a systematic pathway framework to guide China’s energy sector in integrating digital technology to accelerate the pace of achieving carbon neutrality in the energy sector. We first review the current status of carbon emissions and carbon neutrality targets in China’s energy sector, and in light of the development trend of modern digital technologies, we propose key application areas for digital technologies in realizing carbon neutrality in the energy sector. Second, we detail the specific applications and effects of digital technologies in energy supply side optimization, energy utilization efficiency improvement, carbon sink management, and smart grid construction. Through theoretical modeling and empirical analysis, we demonstrate the great potential of digital technologies in carbon emission reduction and carbon neutrality in the energy sector and reveal the key role of digital technologies in carbon–neutral pathways. Finally, we propose effective technology implementation measures and point out important challenges and solution paths for digital technologies in carbon–neutral practices. This study provides a scientific basis and guidance for China’s energy sector to achieve carbon neutrality with the help of digital technologies and promotes the important steps towards carbon neutrality in China.