Self-Sustainability for green energy in megacities: A case Study of Shanghai towards Net-Zero Goal

The College of William and Mary, 23185 200 Stadium Drive, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

^* Corresponding author: zzhou24@wm.edu

Abstract

China’s ambitious 2060 net-zero carbon emission goal places increasing pressure on megacities to transition towards green energy self-sustainability. This paper delves into the feasibility of this target using a case study of Shanghai, the largest city in the world’s highest emitting nation. In the study, both quantitative and qualitative evaluations involving literature review, ArcGIS, and approximation analysis were applied to calculate the total amount of electricity that local could generate and maximize for renewable energy in order to fulfill the percentage of Shanghai’s energy demand. Through discussing various renewable methods such as solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal power, it projects the city’s potential for renewable energy self-sufficiency from now to 2060. The outcome of this study aims to: (1) Evaluate the vicinity and feasibility of green energy self-sustainability in megacities, considering the trade-off between ideal scenarios and real-world limitations; (2) Determine the necessity and potential volume of imported electricity under different renewable energy scenarios for Shanghai; (3) Provide a practical reference for other cities to benchmark their own renewable energy infrastructure development and assess their progress towards net-zero emissions; (4) Identify existing gaps and challenges that need to be addressed to achieve green energy self-sustainability in large urban centers. By offering a detailed analysis of Shanghai’s renewable energy potential and its implications for China’s national target, this study is expected to contribute to the broader discourse on urban decarburization and paves the way for a greener future for megacities worldwide.