Renewable and non-renewable energy-growth nexus: A panel data application for the selected Sub-Saharan African countries

Abstract

In order to protect the environment the role of renewable energy is gratefully appreciated. This study investigates the effects of renewable energy and non-renewable energy on output for the selected six Sub-Saharan African countries during 1990–2015 period by employing a simple production function of capital, labor, renewable and non-renewable energy inputs. The impact of the variables on output are quantified by using panel estimation techniques. The Pedroni Panel cointegration test indicates long run relationship between the variables. The results show that the long-run estimated coefficients of the analyzed variables are positive and statistically significant. According to the findings the elasticity estimates of renewable energy and non-renewable energy are very close. The policy implications of the results are discussed as well.