On the determinants of a stable long-run relationship between energy consumption and economic growth

Abstract

We study the determinants of a stable long-run relationship between energy use and economic growth. We select a sample of 72 countries and test the cointegration between energy consumption and GDP. Next, we estimate the probability of cointegration using characteristics of countries' energy matrix and economic activities. Our findings indicate a lower probability of cointegration between energy use and income in countries with a larger service sector and in countries where energy matrices have greater use of renewable sources. Also, we find a higher probability of cointegration in countries with intense use of nuclear power.