Regional allocation of CO2 emissions allowance over provinces in China by 2020

► We explore the approach to realize national CO2 emissions reduction target of China by 2020. ► The CO2 emissions allowance is allocated over China's 30 administrative regions. ► Several scenarios of China's regional economy, emission, energy consumption are given. ► The zero sum gains data envelopment analysis model is applied in emission allowance allocation. ► An efficient emission allowance allocation scheme on provincial level is proposed.