Decoupling of Transportation Energy Consumption from Transportation Industry Growth in China

The occurrence of decoupling of transportation energy consumption from transportation industry growth in China from 1985 to 2009 is examined. An elasticity index model is developed to identify the degree of decoupling. Total transportation energy consumption and transportation energy consumption types are included into the decoupling elasticity indices. Results indicate that weak decoupling between total transportation energy consumption and transportation industry growth accounts for 54.17%, while weak decoupling does not occur in a smooth manner. It is suggested that the strong decoupling of total transportation energy consumption from transportation industry growth will occur with a low probability in the future. Furthermore, decoupling indices of transportation energy consumption types exhibit diversely: the proportion of strong decoupling of coal is 79.17%; weak decoupling of oil presents 37.5%; and natural gas and electricity consumption are dominated by strong coupling of 62.5% and 54.17%, respectively. According to the different decoupling states, the special and directional transportation policies should be implemented.