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Aluminum production is a major energy consumer and source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The regional transfer of the primary aluminum (PA) industry, which mainly consists of the processes of electrolysis and aluminum ingot casting, is currently an important international trend in aluminum industrial development. However, the changes in GHG emissions from aluminum production for such transfers are unclear. This study has established a life cycle assessment model of aluminum industry based on regional transfers in the context of China, determined the GHG emissions of PA and secondary aluminum (SA) production, examined the GHG emission changes of PA production based on regional industry transfer between the years 2007 and 2017, and explored seven driving factors that affect GHG emissions in the aluminum industry. GHG emissions per unit PA and SA production in China decreased by 18.6% and 6.3%, respectively, but the total GHG emissions from aluminum industry still increased by 2.2 times between the years 2007 and 2017. The driving factor analysis showed that the major positive effects of GHG emissions from China's aluminum industry from 2007 to 2017 included the production scale effect of SA and the energy structure effect. Existing regional transfers (between the years 2007 and 2017) did not deliver significant annual GHG emissions reductions. Currently, Xinjiang, Henan, Shandong, and Inner Mongolia are the main PA production provinces in China, although regional transfers have been implemented. This study provides a basis for the improvement and sustainable development of the aluminum industry, suggests policies for regional aluminum development, and proposes a beneficial layout of the aluminum industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: China has more than 1,500 industrial parks, which, collectively, play a crucial role in facilitating industrialization and urbanization. A key characteristic of these parks is that most rely on shareable energy infrastructure, an efficient configuration that can also deliver substantial and sustainable reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study offers strategies for mitigating GHG emissions from Chinese industrial parks. We focus on extensive data collection for the 106 industrial parks listed in the national demonstration eco‐industrial park (EIP) program. In doing so, we carefully examine the evolution of 608 serviceable energy infrastructure units by vintage year, fuel type, energy output, and technologies of combined heat and power units. We assess direct GHG emissions from both energy infrastructure and the parks, and then identify the features and driving forces of energy infrastructure development in the EIPs. We also offer recommendations for ways to mitigate the GHG emissions from these industrial parks. The energy infrastructure stocks in Chinese EIPs are characterized by heavy coal dependence (87% of capacity) and high ratios of direct GHG emissions versus the total direct emissions of the park (median value: 75.2%). These findings establish a baseline from which both technology and policy decisions can then be made in an informed way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the effects of policy instruments for developing viable eco-industrial parks (EIPs) in China. We analyzed the root of China's national EIP program and inventoried the general instruments available to local authorities to shape and promote eco-industrial development. Empirical research conducted in Tianjin Economic-technological Development Area and Dalian Development Area led to the activities and actions conducted by local authorities. A quantitative method, technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, was adopted to reveal the effects of policy instruments for comparative analysis. We conclude that the planned EIP model is useful in the early stage of EIP development, and, subsequently, it should be combined with a facilitated model to achieve long-term goals for eco-transformation. To this end, the policy package of economic, regulatory, and voluntary instruments should be integrated and tailored in alignment with the local situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one branch of industrial ecology, the ecoindustrial park (EIP) concept is being accepted and implemented in many parts of the world. In order to pursue a sustainable industrial development, China's government is forging this concept into a new strategy of industrial development and regional practices. This article aims to depict a picture of current China's experiences on EIP. It first presents two stages of EIP development at national level. Then more details at individual level are provided by three cases studies, that is, Dafeng, Lubei, and Nanhai, in which three points are addressed: (1) the industrial and environmental backgrounds of EIP projects; (2) specific resource sharing; and (3) benefits and challenges in these projects. The case studies show that the government acts as a key role player, facilitating multiple functions in the development of EIP projects. The case studies also suggest that many factors including holistic, economic, social, and technical aspects need to be taken into account to develop a successful EIP project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]