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This article analyzes the evolution of the structural dynamics underlying CO2 emissions in China between 1981 and 2015. Progress in energy efficiency is the main factor that has limited the scale effect of economic growth. Between 1981 and 2000, progress was made thanks to equipment modernization, and from 2001, poor energy performance pushed the central authorities to adopt proactive policies, allowing the energy mix to evolve in favor of renewable energies. This trend, coupled with the pursuit of energy efficiency, has enabled China, since 2011, to implement a process of energy transition.