Affordable Energy Research Articles

Linking sustainability reporting and energy use through global reporting initiative standards and sustainable development goals

AbstractThis paper addresses the critical need for an integrated approach to sustainability reporting by examining the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles within the automotive industry. By focusing on the top 8 highest-revenue global automakers in 2022, the study utilizes the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to assess contributions to SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and other pertinent indicators. A comprehensive content analysis and logistic regression analysis are employed to explore the correlation between energy use and compliance with GRI standards from 2018 to 2022. The findings reveal significant trends in sustainability reporting, with a noted decrease in quality in the final year analyzed. Specifically, GRI 302-3 (energy intensity) shows a significant negative relationship with energy consumption, indicating higher energy usage correlates with lower compliance. The study reinforces the necessity for more transparent and effective sustainability reporting frameworks to enhance corporate practices and drive progress toward sustainability goals. Graphical abstract

Multidimensional energy poverty and its effects on household consumption and savings: Evidence from Nepal

This study examines the impact of multidimensional energy poverty (MDEP) on household consumption and savings, with a focus on potential differences by the gender of the household head. Using data from the Household Risk and Vulnerability Survey (HRVS) 2016–2018, a three-year panel dataset from Nepal covering 6000 households, we apply pooled OLS, dynamic panel fixed effects (FE), panel instrumental variable (IV), and Lewbel's (Lewbel, 2012) 2SLS methods. Our findings reveal that MDEP significantly reduces both household consumption and savings, with more pronounced effects on savings. The corresponding coefficients range from −0.376 to −0.092 for consumption and from – 0.722 to −3.213 for savings, suggesting that fully transitioning out of MDEP could increase household savings by 72.2 %–321.3 %. The effects of MDEP are consistent across households, regardless of the gender of the household head. This study underscores the importance of addressing MDEP to enhance household welfare and recommends that policymakers focus on expanding reliable and affordable energy access as part of broader economic development strategies to improve overall living standards in developing countries.

Multielectron Transfer in Halogen Batteries

AbstractMultielectron transfer in halogen batteries is a promising solution in pursuing high‐energy‐density and affordable energy storage systems. Interest in rich chemistries derived from unique valence electron structures of halogens is surging in electrode material design. However, deploying multielectron transfer chemistry comes with challenges, including limited redox reactivity and degrees of electrochemical irreversibility, which contribute to poor charging and cycling. To address these challenges, researchers explore physical/chemical strategies to activate high valence reactions and more electron transfer numbers and fix unstable valence state species through electrolyte and electrode regulation. This Concept presents the basic understanding of multielectron transfer electrochemistry concerning theoretical energy capabilities and electronic configuration evolutions. We divide multielectron transfer into two types: single and multi‐redox centers, providing an overview of the current development of multielectron transfer and hoping it will spur more intensive efforts towards a diverse energy future.

Optimising Energy Efficiency in Offshore Buildings: Supporting SDG 7 - Clean and Affordable Energy

The offshore oil and gas sector faces significant challenges in reducing its carbon footprint while meeting global energy demand. Offshore structures consume up to 500 MW of energy per day. Despite the potential for 30-40% energy savings with efficiency technologies, only 25% of global platforms implement integrated energy management systems. This study aims to optimize energy efficiency in offshore structures to support SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy. The study uses a multi-method approach, analyzing data from 10 offshore platforms, conducting energy modeling, and cost-benefit analysis. The results show variability in daily energy consumption (423.7 ± 32.5 MW) with key factors such as hydrocarbon production and environmental conditions. Energy efficiency technologies such as hybrid power generation systems and Integrated Energy Management Systems (SMET) show significant potential for savings. The optimization model shows a total potential energy savings of 37.2 ± 2.1%. Economic analysis using Monte Carlo simulations confirms the feasibility of investment with positive NPV for all evaluated technologies. SMET has the most favorable risk-return profile with a mean NPV of 5.8 ± 0.7 million USD. These findings provide important insights for operators and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to energy management in offshore structures. Implementation of the proposed energy efficiency strategies can contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and the achievement of SDG 7.

Utilization of Biomass Waste Through Small-Scale Gasification Technology in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa: Towards the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Number 7

Despite being resource-richly endowed with various energy sources, and despite the connection of 89.8% of the households to the grid in South Africa, the Eastern Cape province, as compared to other provinces, has the lowest level of grid connection of about 64.5%. Some of the rural poor households in the Eastern Cape province supplement their free basic electricity with unclean energy alternatives. Using unclean energy alternatives is not only detrimental to the environment and health of the people, but it is a sign of energy poverty and among the contributing factors to depesantization, deagrarianization, and deindustrialization which prolongs the underdevelopment in rural areas. Innovation in energy technologies is a key ingredient in meaningful rural development. The utilization of small-scale biomass gasification technologies can be a solution to the South African energy crisis in rural areas, and it is in line with sustainable development goal number 7, which is about ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Alternative renewable energy sources cannot be ignored when dealing with the energy crises in South Africa. Renewable energy sources in the country include biomass, solar, wind, and hydropower. Despite its low utilization in the Eastern Cape province, small-scale biomass gasification technology remains pivotal in reducing energy crisis by producing electricity. However, the affordability of biomass gasification technology also plays a role in whether people will accept small-scale biomass gasification technology. The purpose of this paper is to determine the possibilities of using small-scale biomass gasification technology. This paper gives a comprehensive review of small-scale biomass gasification technology potential in the Eastern Cape province and the link between acceptance of small-scale gasification technology and affordability by evaluating the availability of biomass sources in the province and achievements with regards to small-scale biomass gasification. This paper also covers the impact of biomass gasification technology integration in the energy grid, what needs to be taken into consideration before its installation, its benefits and the barriers to its development in Eastern Cape province.

Navigating the Nexus of Artificial Intelligence and Renewable Energy for the Advancement of Sustainable Development Goals

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into renewable energy and sustainability represents a transformative approach toward achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This study utilized the PRISMA framework to conduct a systematic review, focusing on the role of AI in renewable energy and sustainable development. This research utilized Scopus’s curated AI research area, which employs text mining to refine AI concepts into unique keywords. Further refinement via the All Science Journals Classification system and SDG-mapping filters narrowed the focus to publications relevant to renewable energy and SDGs. By employing the BERTopic modeling approach, our study identifies major topics, such as enhancing wind speed forecasts, performance analysis of fuel cells, energy management in elective vehicles, solar irradiance prediction, optimizing biofuel production, and improving energy efficiency in buildings. AI-driven models offer promising solutions to address the dynamic challenges of sustainable energy. Insights from academia-industry collaborations indicate that such partnerships significantly accelerate sustainable-energy transitions, with a focus on AI-driven energy storage, grid management, and renewable-energy forecasting. A global consensus on the critical role of investing in technology-driven solutions for energy sustainability was underscored by the relationship between funding data and global R&D spending patterns. This study serves as a resource for practitioners to harness AI technologies for renewable energy, where for example, AI’s accurate wind speed predictions can increase wind farm efficiency, highlighting the necessity of innovation and collaboration for sustainable development.

Sino-Us Competitive Cooperation Relationship: AIIB’s Projects in Africa and Practical Application of SDGs

Introduction: This article explores the Sino-US competitive cooperation relationship in Africa, focusing on infrastructure development by the AIIB and the DFC. Examining the strategic roles, operational approaches, and impacts of these institutions on African development. It also delves to geopolitical implications, through the African infrastructure, can proves the different trajectory of US and China rivalry in Africa.And also what influences for Sino-US hegemony competition. Using realism and Neo-realism theory as the framework to analysis Sino-US competitive cooperation relationship. And in this article will also talk about the connection between AIIB and DFC investment in Africa and SDG. And how AIIB and DFC investment influence Africa’s SDG to help Africa’s SDGs development. For the Methodology used in this article is qualitative research, can interview some experts in the Africa investment or SDGs development to collect some data and analysis these data. For the research result will also discuss in different factors such as development goals, geopolitical dynamics, Africa’s future prospects. The value of this article is know what is the Sino-US competitive cooperation relationship in Africa, And how these investment help Africa’s development to help Africa achieve SDGs. Like Lake Turkana Wind Power Project in Kenya, is provide affordable and clean energy in Africa, help Africa to achieve No.7 SDGs. Objective: This article aims to analyze how the AIIB and DFC help African infrastructure, and also the development of Africa. Secondly, examining the strategic roles of AIIB and DFC, how these two organizations help the US and China in global competition. Thirdly, to explore the broader geopolitical implications of the Sino-US competitive cooperation relationship in Africa, examining how the activities of AIIB and DFC reflect and influence the geopolitical dynamics between China and the United States. And how AIIB and DFC investment influence Africa achieve SDGs. Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Through realism and Neo-realism stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises is qualitative research method will be used in conducting this research. The qualitative method is used to gather opinions, experiences and thoughts from the research respondents. Data collection was carried out through use interview no matter online or face to face. And also select for some focus group to do the comparison with different factors of the research, and find the connections and how these factors influence with other factors in the research. Results and Discussion: The findings highlight that the contributions of both institutions to African development, emphasizing the complex dynamics that shape their interactions and impact on the continent. And also through the Africa infrastructure how the US and China compete with each other. In the discussion part, it divides as different part to talk about the influence in Africa and Sino-US competition in different periods. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this article are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of Sino-US competitive cooperation relations and how AIIB and DFC investment help Africa to achieve SDGs. These implications could encompass Sino-US relationship, Africa’s development and Geopolitical Dynamics . Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by finding how AIIB and DFC investment help Africa’s SDG development in order to try to find Sino-US competitive cooperation way. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by how the AIIB and DFC investment influence Africa’s develop SDG, and during the process what about Sino-US relations development to prove.

Perspectives on Photocatalytic Paper‐Based Batteries Fueled by Alcohol

AbstractAmid growing energy demands, innovative solutions are essential to power a variety of devices. Paper‐based microfluidic fuel cells (PμFCs), powered by eco‐friendly alcohols derived from biomass, present a promising option. While lightweight and disposable, they mainly rely on costly noble‐metal catalysts for high efficiency. In this context, the concept of photo paper batteries (pPBs), utilizing affordable sunlight‐activated semiconductors to drive alcohol oxidation on paper, opens the possibility to disposable and affordable energy solutions. Our review highlights recent progress in PμFCs fueled by alcohols like methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol. We explore semiconductor advancements driving anodic reactions and envision the potential of pPBs. To achieve practical pPBs, refining semiconductors, electrode design, and microfluidic engineering are pivotal. This short review highlights the transformative potential of pPBs and beckons researchers to partake in shaping this new field.

Evaluating the Potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Solar Energy in Urban Built Environments with Aerial Photogrammetry Dataset

Abstract. The process of urbanisation has a significant impact on climate change, with projections indicating that over 70% of the global population will live in cities by 2050. The challenges associated with climate change impacts on urban areas include urban heat islands, unsustainable water management, floods and air pollution. This study explores the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and renewable energy in Torino, Italy, with a particular focus on the exploitation of rooftops for solar panels and green roofs. The data from 159 buildings in San Salvario was collected using aerial photogrammetry. The solar potential was analysed with ArcGIS, taking into account both geographic and building-specific factors. Buildings that were unsuitable for solar panels were identified for green roofs. This research supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land). The annual solar potential was estimated at 100,300 kWh, with 2,450 m2 of suitable roof area for green roofs. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using rooftops to increase urban sustainability, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents. The integration of NBS and solar energy can facilitate the creation of more sustainable and resilient urban environments. The study recommends the implementation of spatial-enabled urban planning as a means of overcoming barriers and promoting the development of green, energy-efficient communities.

Utility-Scale Grid-Connected Microgrid Planning Framework for Sustainable Renewable Energy Integration

Microgrids have emerged as a crucial focus in power engineering and sustainable energy research, with utility-scale microgrids playing a significant role in both developed and developing countries like the Philippines. This study presents a comprehensive framework for utility-scale microgrid planning, emphasizing the sustainable integration of renewable energy resources to the distribution grid. The framework addresses the operational modes of grid-connected and islanded microgrids, emphasizing the seamless transition between these modes to ensure a continuous power supply. By leveraging local distributed energy resources, the microgrid aims to reduce dependence on the main transmission grid while enhancing resilience and reliability. The proposed planning framework not only eases the economic burden of constructing renewable energy sources but also aids distribution utilities in maximizing local resources to achieve sustainable energy goals. Through a detailed network analysis and modeling, the framework provides a robust foundation for optimizing the energy mix and enhancing the overall system performance. This research contributes to advancing microgrid technology as a key driver towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting clean and affordable energy access.

Role of Trap Optimization in a Heterostructure Carbon Nitride as a Methodology to Enhance Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

Carbon-based catalysts hold significant promise for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. A critical challenge lies in optimizing the balance between electron longevity and its accumulation to avoid bottlenecks in photocatalytic efficiency. In this study, we introduce an innovative and efficient strategy for the rapid extraction (<100 fs) of photoinduced free electrons from a carbon-based catalyst without forming additional metal-based heterojunction hybrids. This method effectively prevents excessive accumulation of free carriers within the catalyst. The rapidly extracted electrons are then utilized for photocatalytic hydrogen production, resulting in a 10-fold increase in activity compared to the pristine catalyst, with platinum (3 wt%) used as a cocatalyst. Our strategy significantly enhances the performance of a state-of-the-art catalyst, offering a clean and cost-effective method for producing clean energy. This work demonstrates how a fundamental understanding of molecular-level phenomena and their optimization can pave the way for delivering clean and affordable energy to society.

Doing dams better? A case study of a proposed pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow, Central Otago

AbstractWater resource managers and Geographers share common interests in meeting Sustainable Development Goal Seven (universal access to affordable energy) and addressing climate change. Hydropower plays a key role but dams have environmental, social and cultural consequences. The Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol (HSAP) aims to ensure that dams are built safely and potential impacts are understood. This study of a proposed pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow in Central Otago, New Zealand, considers the effectiveness of HSAP. Results reported here show that HSAP works well but that it can also be improved by including new groups of stakeholders and by widening the perception of risks.

Determinants of the Relationship between Wholesale and Retail Energy Prices in the Czech Republic

Rising energy prices have become a focus of interest for politicians at the international, European, and national levels. Energy prices are the main determinant of profitability or even the existence of the industrial sector. So, it is accepted that energy policy aims to ensure a secure, sustainable, competitive, and affordable energy supply for households and businesses. However, the recent geopolitical situation has significantly affected the energy policy of the European Union, raising concerns about energy security and an energy crisis. This crisis has had social, economic, and political consequences, including energy poverty. In this context, it is essential to understand the determinants of the relationship between wholesale and retail energy prices. This paper presents a model proposal to be used by the Czech Energy Regulatory Authority. The model of average retail prices depends on the type of contract - spot or forward, with the three-year forward contract having the largest weight on the retail price. Therefore, our study shows that long-term contracts significantly impact retail energy prices, highlighting the importance of regulatory monitoring of market strategies. Methodologically, the model is based on a multivariate regression analysis solved with the least absolute deviations and data for the period 2012 to 2023. The findings of the study contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of the dynamics of energy prices and support policymakers while attempting to ensure energy affordability and sustainability.

From Potential to Power: Advancing Nigeria’s Energy Sector through Renewable Integration and Policy Reform

Nigeria is a nation endowed with both abundant renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Despite its vast potential, Nigeria struggles with a consistent power supply due to various systemic issues, such as inadequate funding, infrastructural decay, corruption, technical skill shortages, and macroeconomic instability. These challenges hinder the effective harnessing and distribution of energy resources, particularly renewable ones like wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower. This study assesses the existing energy policies and their efficacy in promoting sustainable energy development towards achieving universal electricity access by 2030. It highlights the necessity for a just energy transition that integrates a substantial proportion of renewable energy into the national grid, aiming to meet up to 60% of the country’s energy demands with clean sources by 2050. This transition is critical not only for energy security and reducing the environmental impact but also for fostering socioeconomic equity. Recommendations include overhauling the legal and regulatory frameworks to support renewable energy growth, particularly in off-grid areas, to ensure clean, affordable, and secure energy access. Strategic investments, enhanced infrastructure, and robust public–private partnerships are essential to overcome the current barriers and realize Nigeria’s energy potential. This paper calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the technical and socioeconomic dimensions of the energy crisis, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous energy future for Nigeria.

Powering sustainability: A techno-economic analysis of photovoltaic systems in dairy farming

ABSTRACT Dairy farming plays an indispensable role in the socio-economic growth of rural India. But, the modernization and sustainable growth of dairy farming relies critically upon the availability of reliable and affordable renewable electric energy. However, lack of access to electricity is a major challenge that needs to be addressed to encourage sustainable dairy farming. In this direction, the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in dairy farms has enormous potential to combat the existing critical challenges of fossil fuels and rural energy crises. This investigation assesses the techno-economic viability of PV systems through detailed mathematical modeling and electrical load estimation using the MATLAB simulation environment. The study determines the availability of maximum of solar radiations at each instant, and optimizes the inclined surface to extract maximum solar power. The outcomes of the study reveal that deploying an off-grid PV system consisting of 20 PV modules of 335 Wp, 24 batteries of each 150 Ah, and a 10 kVA inverter meets the average electric load of 9.5 MWh/year for twenty-five years with one-day autonomy. The economic analysis comprised the life-cycle cost (LCC), annualized life-cycle cost (ALCC), and costs of electricity (COE) of the study under reference as US$13050, US$323.1, and US$ 0.02596/kWh, respectively. The study results in saving of 0.285 MT CO2 emissions for the total life span. The resulted stand-alone PV system is both economically and technically viable. The present results reinforce the dispersal of green energy measures for their implementation in rural dairy farms having similar climate conditions in the Indian context.

A Global Perspective on Renewable Energy Implementation: Commitment Requires Action

Meeting renewable energy targets is one of the most significant global challenges to achieving SDG 7—Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This study focuses on the global energy transition to understand the factors that influence success or failure in achieving targets. First, the gap between the stated targets and our predictions was calculated. Next, the roles of economic, political, and environmental variables in determining this gap were analyzed. Data were collected from 63 countries from 2000 to 2022, ensuring the global representativeness and robustness of the results. Many countries may struggle to meet their renewable energy targets. Political stability, regulatory quality, and investment freedom play a remarkable role in helping countries get closer to achieving their targets. More industrialized countries with large populations face greater challenges due to high energy intensity. This paper aims to predict the propensity of countries to meet their energy targets by integrating the forecasting and analysis of the economic, political, and geographical factors that influence a green transition. The results provide new insights into how socioeconomic and geopolitical differences influence the energy transition, offering insights for more effective policies. It is argued that accelerated administrative procedures are needed to reduce investment uncertainty and improve energy systems’ flexibility. In addition, involving local communities in the decision-making process is important to ensure the acceptance of RE projects. Finally, introducing energy markets that reflect the characteristics of renewable sources is recommended to facilitate a more rapid and sustainable transition.

Digital Twin Technology and Social Sustainability: Implications for the Construction Industry

To date, a plethora of research has been published investigating the value of using Digital Twin (DT) technology in the construction industry. However, the contribution of DT technology to promoting social sustainability in the industry has largely been unexplored. Therefore, the current paper aims to address this gap by exploring the untapped potential of DT technology in advancing social sustainability within the construction industry. To this end, a comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted, which identified 298 relevant studies. These studies were subsequently analysed with respect to their use of DT technology in supporting social sustainability. The findings indicated that the studies contributed to 8 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a strong focus on SDG11 (77 publications), followed by SDG3 and SDG9, with 58 and 48 studies, respectively, focusing on promoting health and well-being and fostering resilient infrastructure and innovation. Other contributions were identified for SDG13 (30 studies), SDG7 (27 studies), SDG12 (26 studies), SDG4 (21 studies), and SDG6 (11 studies), covering areas such as climate action, responsible consumption, affordable energy, quality education, and clean water and sanitation. This paper also proposes future research directions for advancing DT technology to further enhance social sustainability in the construction industry. These include (i) enhancing inclusivity and diversity, (ii) workforce safety and well-being, (iii) training and skill development, (iv) policy and regulatory support, and (v) cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Energy Security and Women’s Empowerment: A Generalized Method of Moments Approach from a Global Perspective

The importance of energy security is emphasized in Goal 7 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda to guarantee that everyone has affordable, dependable, and contemporary energy access. In addition to transforming human life, whole economies, and even the planet, sustainable energy offers a chance for a better future. The absence of energy security impacts serious health problems, education, and household difficulties. Research on energy security has emphasized various angles worldwide. However, investigations of the impact of energy security on women’s empowerment are still scant. This study thus investigates the relationship between energy security and women’s empowerment (WE) in 167 countries from 2002 to 2021, as well as the influence of urbanization development levels on this nexus. Moreover, this study explores the variation in women’s empowerment between geographical regions by referencing the MENA, OECD, and SAARC countries. A two-step system GMM was used to achieve the objectives of this research. The findings show first that renewable energy availability has a significant effect on WE worldwide. Secondly, in terms of energy security, the variables total availability of natural resource rents and renewable energy both have a positive impact on women’s empowerment in the MENA, while in the OECD and SAARC countries, they have an indirect link with WE. Third, the integrating effect of total natural resource rents with urbanization significantly affects WE in all five models. Fourth, we used access to electricity to represent resource affordability. Unexpectedly, the results show its negative and significant association with WE. Fifth, in terms of energy security, both energy availability and affordability favor WE in OECD countries. Finally, the coefficient of integration of access to electricity and urbanization shows a positive and significant association with WE in the OECD, MENA, and SAARC regions. However, it is noteworthy to mention that access to electricity alone does not influence WE worldwide. Additionally, a series of tests confirm the robustness of the results. This research provides insight into the development and implications of energy security-related women’s empowerment policies.

An economic analysis of tidal energy to support sustainable development

Decarbonization of the energy sector, requires a strong expansion of renewable energy, which combined with effective and efficient use of resources, enables the development of models based on the green economy. Tidal energy, which is currently underutilized, can contribute to this change by providing affordable and clean energy, thus contributing to sustainable development. This work evaluates the economic dimension of sustainability and provides a profitability analysis related to a 1 MW plant located in central Italy. The methodology consists of a technical framework, geared toward quantifying the energy potential from that plant, and economic models based on indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV), Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and Discounted Payback Time (DPBT).The results show that the plant turns out to be profitable in the base case (NPV = 573 k€ and DPBT = 21 years) and policy interventions, which see the use of capital grants and subsidies, change the results to NPV ranging between 338 and 1287 k€ and DPBT between 11 and 15 years. However, alternative scenarios indicate that the variables that most impact economic outcomes are changes related to energy selling price and capacity factor. The LCOE in the different scenarios varies between 49.4–89.8 €/MWh. The implications of this work define that tidal energy supports the energy transition to sustainable development and that the mix of technical, market, and political factors must be considered in policy decision making.

The consequence of the digital economy on energy efficiency in Chinese provincial and regional contexts: Unleashing the potential

The digital economy, driven by advanced technologies, is becoming a new force for economic growth and sustainable development. This study investigates how the digital economy influences energy efficiency and its spatial spillover effects across 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020 using spatial econometric models and Moran's index analysis. While prior research focused on industrial value and micro-mechanisms, this work examines geographical impacts and regional synergies overlooked previously.The findings reveal urbanization and digital economy growth significantly enhance energy efficiency. However, the effects of economic structure, education, infrastructure development, and patent activity exhibit more nuanced patterns. Notably, the spatial spillover effects of the digital economy on energy efficiency operate through a "market + geographical comprehensive mechanism" rather than direct geographic transmission between neighbors. This study contributes to the literature by uncovering the complex relationships between the digital economy, technological innovation, industrial structure, and energy efficiency while accounting for spatial dynamics. The results underscore the importance of focused policies supporting sustainable energy practices based on regional contexts. By providing insights into the intricate interplay of factors influencing energy efficiency, this research informs strategies for optimizing energy utilization and transitioning towards a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy future aligned with net-zero objectives.