Structural decomposition analysis applied to energy and emissions: Some methodological developments

► We review the new methodological developments in SDA in energy and emission studies. ► A shift towards using decomposition methods that are ideal is revealed. ► Four ideal methods are compared analytically and empirically using China's data. ► We provide guidelines on decomposition method selection for SDA. ► We discuss the similarities and differences between SDA and IDA based on the latest available information.