Achieving Net‐Zero in the Electricity Sector in China by 2050 Considering Environmental and Economic Objectives

ABSTRACT As the largest greenhouse gas emitter globally, China aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, requiring its electricity sector to reach net‐zero by around 2050. However, the environmental and economic sustainability of this goal has not been comprehensively assessed on a life cycle basis. Considering these aspects, this study develops and evaluates six net‐zero electricity (NZE) scenarios by 2050, incorporating future technological developments and comparing them with business‐as‐usual (BAU) and the current situation. Results show that renewables‐only grids (C‐1 and C‐2) provide the best overall environmental performance across nine out of 18 impacts and the lowest levelized cost of electricity (35–36 $/MWh). However, they increase metal depletion (up to fourfold), land use (2.6 times), and ecotoxicity (twofold) compared to BAU. Relative to the current situation, 15 impacts are reduced or comparable in NZE scenarios, while metal depletion, land use, and ionizing radiation rise by 85–217%. Multicriteria decision analysis shows C‐2 (∼40% solar photovoltaics, 32% wind, ∼9% hydro, 4.5% biomass with/without carbon capture and storage (CCS), and 15% storage) as the most sustainable scenario under equal weighting of all indicators. However, BAU ranks highest if prioritising ecotoxicities, land use, metal depletion, or marine eutrophication. Coal CCS must contribute <5% to electricity to meet net‐zero. Biomass with CCS is crucial for providing net‐negative emissions (up to −6.4 Gt CO ₂ eq./year), although only 2–3% is required for net‐zero. This work highlights trade‐offs among environmental and economic considerations under net‐zero, and provides guidance for sustainable energy planning toward China’s net‐zero future.