Guided by the goal of "double carbon", what is the carbon emission reduction effect of the promotion and application of green technology in China?

Abstract This study analyzes the carbon reduction impact mechanism by constructing a spatial Durbin model based on citations of green technology patents from listed enterprises in 30 Chinese provinces between 2011 and 2020. The specific research findings are as follows: (1) The popularization and application of green technology can restrain carbon emission intensity, and has significant “space spillover” and “dry learning” effect; (2) The mediating effect test examines the role of energy structure and industrial structure in mediating the impact of green technology promotion and application on regional carbon emission reduction; (3) The analysis of linear regulation consists of two parts: Linear analysis and nonlinear analysis; (4) In terms of heterogeneity analysis, the carbon emission reduction effect of green technology popularization and application has significant regional heterogeneity and factor endowment heterogeneity. The research conclusions provide the enlightenment for the coordination of China’s economic transition to green development.