The Impact of Renewable Energy on Sustainable Economic Growth in Afghanistan

Abstract

The present study has been conducted to investigate the impact of renewable energy on the sustainable economic growth of Afghanistan. This research focuses on examining the ranking of the effects of renewable energy sources on economic growth. In this study, secondary data sources were utilized to describe the situation in Afghanistan regarding renewable energy and its utilization possibilities. Meanwhile, primary data from 195 experts in energy, water, and electricity, environmental specialists, economists, and several firms in Kabul were collected to assess its economic impacts. The sample was selected through simple random sampling. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool, designed structurally based on the Likert spectrum and theoretically supported by various economic theories. The reliability of the questionnaire was ensured using Cronbach's alpha, which yielded satisfactory results (α = 0.94). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software through various statistical methods such as KMO, Bartlett's test, factor analysis, composite reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and the coefficient of variation. The findings indicate that hydro energy can significant contribute to a positive change of 0.358% and solar energy can significant contribute to 0.412% in sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan. But wind energy has insignificant impact on economic growth in Afghanistan. The results of the study suggest that solar, hydro, and wind energy can have considerable effects on sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan. In conclusion, the research results confirm the hypothesis, asserting that the uses of renewable energy contribute to improving the sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan.