Can the ecological environment reverse feed renewable energy technology innovation? -- Heterogeneity test from the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Abstract

This study uses panel data from 112 cities in 11 provinces and municipalities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from 1998 to 2019. This study uses a spatial measurement model to test the reversal feeding effect (RFE) of the ecological environment (EE) on renewable energy technology innovation (RETI) in each area of the basin. The results showed that there is a gradual decrease in the strength of RFE from west to the east and a certain lag period. The RFE mechanism had regional heterogeneity. For eastern cities, industrial advancement, financial development, and resident consumption, together with EE, were significantly reverse-feed RETI. For central cities, it is mainly reflected in the interaction of EE on FDI and industrial advancement. For western cities, EE affects infrastructure investment and government R&D, thereby reversing feeding RETI. The results from the decomposition of spatial effects showed that the RFE of eastern cities in the integration process was not limited to the local area but also has a demonstration effect on neighbouring areas. The RFE in the central cities is limited to local areas due to the “Nimbyism” (Not in My Back Yard). “Race-to-top” among western cities can only produce an RFE in the local area but has a restraining effect on neighbouring areas.