Computational analysis of thermoelectric enterprises’ environmental efficiency and Bayesian estimation of influence factors

• Thermoelectric enterprises’ environmental efficiencies in Anhui are calculated.
• Bayesian estimation is carried out on the relevant influencing factors.
• The environmental efficiencies of thermoelectric enterprises in Anhui are decreasing.
• There are great differences among these enterprises.

Research on the environmental efficiency of thermoelectric enterprises with high energy consumption and pollution emissions would contribute significantly to understanding regional ecological protection and sustainable economic growth. This study researches thermoelectric enterprises in China's Anhui Province and calculates their environmental efficiencies in 2009–2010. The Malmquist index method is used to resolve the variable trend of environmental efficiencies, and Bayesian estimation is conducted on the relevant influencing factors. The results of the quantitative analysis show that compared to 2009, the overall level of environmental efficiencies of thermoelectric enterprises in Anhui Province is lower, and there are great differences among thermoelectric enterprises. In addition, the variable trend of total factor productivity is highly consistent with technical progress, and the influencing degree of each factor on environmental efficiency varies. Finally, based on the empirical analysis, this study suggests how thermoelectric enterprises can improve environmental efficiency by, for example, introducing advanced production technologies and improving the coal quality and energy utilization ratios. It is important to focus first on how to protect the environment with treatment as assistant measures.