Energy accessibility via natural resources: Do natural resources ensure energy accessibility in low income countries?

Abstract

Despite the abundance of natural resources in many low-income countries, energy accessibility remains a significant challenge for millions of people around the globe. Therefore, there is a need for research to understand the impact of natural resources on energy accessibility in low-income countries, and to identify the factors that contribute to successful energy access strategies. This research contributes to already established literature on energy accessibility and the management of natural resources, and it offers insights that can be used to inform the development of evidence-based policies and strategies that aim to promote more inclusive and sustainable energy systems in low-income countries. Using ARDL estimator, we find that GDP, mineral rent, natural gas rent, oil rent, renewable energy consumption, and technological innovation are crucial determinants of electricity accessibility in low-income countries. The positive impact of GDP, mineral rent, and natural gas rent on electricity accessibility suggests that national income and the extraction of natural resources are important for promoting energy accessibility in low-income countries.