Analyzing the Influence of Major Actors in China's Renewable Energy Policy Process as a Means of Predicting Future Chinese Renewable Energy Policy Trends

Abstract

This thesis identified seven major actors involved in the renewable energy policy process in China, and evaluated their relative levels of influence over the entire process, from drafting to implementation. The research aimed to tease out important actors and their means of influencing policy. The thesis employed a policy analysis framework adapted from Yaffee (2011) that observes each actor’s motivations, resources and strategies. The research revealed that the Chinese Communist Party still possesses the greatest amount of influence over policy-making, followed by government sponsored think tanks. Market-based enterprises—central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and private firms—as well as the local government are a significant force. Ministries brought up the rear. The results are in contrast to a theoretical understanding of flows of power and influence in Chinese politics. The differences between the “theoretical” and “real” levels of influence each actor possesses vis-à-vis one another have several repercussions for the future of renewable energy policy in China. First and foremost, the thesis posits that the ideological Party’s motivation to retain control will result in them exerting more influence over the entire policy process, particularly by maintaining its embedded-ness throughout the entire policy process. Secondly, the ministries’ low level of true influence in the policy process will require the central government to rethink the roles and resources made available to the ministries, and possibly establish a Ministry of Energy to preside over all energy matters. Lastly, the rising influence of market-based enterprises, shown by the analysis of central SOEs in the hydropower industry and private enterprises in the solar water heating industry, indicates a clear shift towards a market-based approach from planning. This shift, if continuous, will lead to enterprises being able to influence renewable energy policy to their greater advantage in the near future.