Renewable Energy Technological Innovation Research Articles

Do local government investment preferences influence renewable energy technology innovation? Evidence from China

Local government investment can influence renewable energy technology innovation (RETI). Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2007 to 2019, this paper uses fixed effect models, partial linear generalized function coefficient models, and other methods to test the impact of local government investment preferences (LGIP) on RETI. The results are: (1) Productive investment preferences significantly inhibit RETI. (2) The impact of productive investment preferences on RETI is heterogeneous across economic development stages and regions. (3) With economic growth, the negative impact of productive investment preferences on RETI gradually decreases. The findings suggest that local governments should adjust investment patterns and appropriately reduce productive investment to improve RETI.

Dual carbon goals and renewable energy innovations

We examine the impact of renewable energy technology innovation on carbon emissions within the framework of China's ‘dual carbon’ goal, focusing on the role of local (provincial) government innovation competitions and economic competition. Analyzing data across 30 provinces from 2010 to 2019, we investigate the correlation between renewable energy advancements and emission reductions and how local government competition modulates this relationship. Our findings suggest that renewable energy innovations have a significant negative impact on carbon emissions. The study reveals that innovation competition among local governments positively affects emission reductions, while economic competition has a negative impact. These results contribute to understanding how regulatory competition among local governments can support or impede the achievement of dual carbon objectives, emphasizing the need for a competitive yet collaborative regulatory environment to enhance the benefits of renewable energy innovations.

How does green finance promote renewable energy technology innovation? A quasi-natural experiment perspective

The importance of green finance policies, particularly in the realm of innovation in renewable energy technologies, should not be overlooked while assessing the advancement of renewable energy development in China. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of green finance reform initiatives on the promotion of renewable energy technology innovation (RETI) within cities of China. To accomplish this objective, this study employs the 2017 Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones (GFRIPZ) policy as a quasi-natural experiment. A difference-in-differences (DID) model is employed to construct the study framework. The research findings highlight that the implementation of pilot zones has resulted in a substantial and favorable influence on RETI. Moreover, the observable effectiveness of this phenomenon in fostering RETI is predominantly observed in the eastern region of China, small-scale cities, and locations characterized by stringent environmental restrictions. Additionally, our findings demonstrate that this particular policy has an indirect impact on promoting RETI. This is achieved through the improvement of the allocation of financial resources dedicated to green initiatives. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to promote sustainable energy innovation and green development.

The impact of green finance on renewable energy development efficiency in the context of energy security: Evidence from China

The influence of green finance (GF) on renewable energy development efficiency (REDE) has garnered considerable attention from both academia and society. To study the changes in China's REDE in recent years and GF's effect on it, this research first evaluates 30 provinces’ REDE from 2010 to 2019 using a non-radial directional distance function (NDDF) based on global technical assumptions. Second, we evaluate the direct impact of GF on REDE. Finally, we explore the internal mechanism for how GF influences REDE. The results of this study are as follows. (1) GF has a significant promoting effect on REDE. (2) The improvement of renewable energy (RE) technological innovation level and the increase of foreign investment strengthen GE's promoting effect on REDE. (3) The positive effect of GF on REDE is prominent in regions with lower environmental regulations and carbon intensities and higher financial development levels. This paper offers relevant policy suggestions to improve REDE and to enhance GF development.

Revisiting the EKC framework concerning COP-28 carbon neutrality management: Evidence from Top-5 carbon embittering countries

In the aftermath of the 28th Conference of the Parties (CoP) climate summit in the UAE, the majority of developing countries encounter challenges in attaining their objectives of carbon neutrality for a sustainable economy. The association of economic factors such as economic growth, governance structures, forest area, renewable energy consumption, technological innovation, and urbanization with environmental elements (carbon footprint) is vital for sustainable economic development and environmental management strategies. Therefore, this research reveals this association in five selected high-emitting countries spanning from 1990 to 2022. This research utilizes the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework to investigate the interrelationship between these variables. To do so, this study employs the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lags (CS-ARDL) statistical technique to determine the short- and long-term impacts of the variables under investigation on carbon footprint. In contrast, the mean group (MG) and common correlated effect mean group (CCEMG) have been applied for robustness. The findings revealed that GDP, urbanization, and forest area have positive associations with carbon footprints, whereas GDP square, renewable energy consumption, technological innovation, and governance effectiveness have inverse relationships with carbon footprints. These findings provide all stakeholders with valuable policy recommendations and management advice for accelerating the transition of renewable energy to low-carbon and green growth.

Green synthesized clove-treated carbon nanotubes/titanium dioxide hybrid nanofluids for enhancing flat-plate solar collector performance

Green synthesizing carbon-based hybrid nanofluids has the potential to drive innovation in both renewable energy technologies and nanomaterial applications. In this regard, the current experimental work focuses on enhancing the thermal performance of flat-plate solar collectors (FPSCs) using working fluids made of nanocomposite materials via an eco-friendly technique (clove). Conventional methods of synthesizing nanofluids frequently involve using hazardous chemicals, raising concerns about the environment and human health. This experimental work examined the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and hydrothermal performance of FPSC using clove-treated carbon nanotubes/titanium dioxide (CT-MWCNTs/TiO2) nanocomposites by the ratio of (60 % to 40 %) dispersed in distilled water (DW). The test conditions were in the following ranges: hybrid nanofluid in different weight concentrations (0.025, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 wt%), different flow rates (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 L/min), heat flux intensities (400, 600, 800, and 1000 W/m2) and inlet temperature (30, 35, 40, 45 °C). The experimental results revealed that, the maximum enhancement in the energy efficiency (20.6 %) and exergy efficiency (22.9 %) were achieved at 0.1 wt% and 1.2 L/min, relative to the base fluid. In addition, the solar collector size was reduced by 20.5 % due to using a hybrid nanofluid. To conclude, the hybrid nanofluid outperformed the mono nanofluids regarding overall thermal evaluations. The novel hybrid nanofluids generally showed promising results for managing and conserving energy applications.

Are digital economy and financial structure driving renewable energy technology innovations: A major eight countries perspective

This ground-breaking research used simultaneous quantile regression (SQR) to explore the role of the digital economy and financial structure indexes proposed by principal component analysis on renewable energy technology innovations (RETI) for major eight (M-8) countries. Further, the research strengthened analysis by involving the moderating effects of governance and financial structure to seek the dynamic synergy between the digital economy and RETI nexus. The robustness of baseline models has been carried out through multiple estimators to draw several significant results. The findings of our study stimulated that the digital economy has a significantly positive impact on RETI. Put simply, a marginal growth of 1 % in the digital economy is correlated with a substantial average rise of 0.425% in the development of the RETI. Similarly, the financial structure assumes a crucial role, employing an average influence of 1.396% on the progress of RETI. Moreover, the moderation of governance and financial structure significantly contributes to developing a digital economy RETI nexus. The implications of these findings are extensive and have significant relevance for policymakers and academics in the M-8 countries. These insights are of great value as they can serve as a guiding tool for decision-making, providing direction on effectively utilizing the digital economy and financial framework to navigate the development of Renewable Energy Technology Infrastructure appropriately. The information is more than just facts and can serve as a strategic guide towards a future characterized by enhanced sustainability and innovation.

Impact Mechanism of Renewable Energy Technology Innovation on Carbon Productivity Based on Spatial Durbin Model

Impact Mechanism of Renewable Energy Technology Innovation on Carbon Productivity Based on Spatial Durbin Model

The inferiors imitate the superiors: the government’s low-carbon concerns and the renewable energy technology of firms

AbstractExisting research has focused mainly on the technological effects of rigid constraints such as low-carbon policies, but there has been little exploration of flexible constraints such as the government’s low-carbon concerns. To explore the role of flexible low-carbon constraints and effective paths for achieving low-carbon development, this paper theoretically and empirically investigates the influence of the government’s low-carbon concerns on local firms’ innovation in renewable energy technology and the underlying mechanism. Benchmark analysis shows that the government’s low-carbon concerns can improve renewable energy technology among firms in an area. Mechanism analysis reveals that low-carbon concerns promote firms’ renewable energy technology adoption by increasing the amount of research and development (R&D) investment and government subsidies and energy use costs of firms in the area. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that heterogeneity exists across technologies, firms, industries and locations in terms of the incentive impact of the government’s low-carbon concerns on the level of renewable energy technology innovation. Extensive analysis indicates that the government’s low-carbon concerns have a long-term incentive impact on the renewable energy technology of local firms and a positive demonstration impact on the renewable energy technology of neighboring firms. This study is helpful in that it explores the major driving factors behind the creation of a low-carbon economy and the achievement of climate targets.

Modelling the connection between energy intensity, renewable energy, globalization, technological innovation and CO2 emissions: A Quantile–on–Quantile technique

As Nigeria progresses towards reaching net‐zero emissions by 2060, it is crucial to identify the factors responsible for environmental deterioration and those that enhance ecological well‐being. It is equally significant to emphasize that Nigeria's economy is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which have proven unsustainable and environmentally unsafe. As a result, this research investigates the impact of energy intensity (EINT), renewable energy consumption (RENC), globalization (GLOX), technological innovation (TINV) and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in Nigeria from 1990Q1–2019Q4. The methods employed include Quantile–on–Quantile (QQ) and non–parametric causality. The QQ method reveals that EINT has both positive and negative impacts on CO2, varying in magnitude from 3 to −5. Higher quantiles of RENC tend to influence CO2 positively, whereas the lower quantile has a negative impact. Negative shocks of GLOX on CO2 have less impact, with a maximum magnitude of −1 at the upper quantile of CO2. In contrast, the positive shocks seem to have a stronger impact and vary in magnitude. TINV has negative shocks across all quantiles. In addition, a significant causality is observed in the upper, middle and lower quantiles. This study suggests that policymakers should implement policies encouraging investments in renewable energy and green technologies.

The synergy of renewable energy consumption, technological innovation, and ecological quality: SDG policy proposals for developing country

AbstractThe rapid growth of technological innovations and human activities has led to significant adverse effects on the environment and its quality. To assess ecological quality, this study utilizes a comprehensive indicator known as the “load capacity factor,” which incorporates two key ecological components: bio‐capacity and ecological footprints. By employing dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (DYARDL) and spectral causality approaches, the research investigates the impact of fossil fuel consumption, technological innovation, and renewable energy utilization on improving ecological quality from 1990 to 2018. The DYARDL analysis reveals that economic expansion and reliance on fossil fuel energy contribute to a decline in environmental quality, whereas the use of renewable energy enhances ecological sustainability. Moreover, the spectral causality analysis indicates that fossil fuel consumption, renewable energy usage, and economic growth can predict the load capacity factor in the long run. These findings underscore the significance of renewable energy in achieving long‐term environmental objectives. Based on these outcomes, it is recommended that policymakers in South Africa implement measures to reduce ecological damage and foster a more sustainable environment. Emphasizing the adoption of renewable energy sources is crucial for attaining these long‐term environmental targets.

Renewable energy technology innovation and urbanization: Insights from China

Renewable energy technology innovation (RETI) is a bran-new technological innovation of renewable energy. Not only does it reflect the residents’ needs of pursuing high-quality life, but also construct the tighter relationship between population urbanization and urban sustainability. This paper selects China's prefecture-level cities as research sample to explore the impact of RETI on urbanization from 2010 to 2021. I find that RETI can promote urbanization significantly by methods of fixed effect, IV and other robustness, and then heterogeneous tests show differently owing to factor of geographical location, human capital and energy sources. Notably, RETI promotes urbanization by improving industrial structure, productivity effectiveness and rural income. To date, this study has discovered the urbanization improvement effects of RETI primarily, providing theoretical basis and practical recommendations for governments, energy agencies and local residents to realize efficient and sustainable urban development mode.

Digital finance, regional innovation environment and renewable energy technology innovation: Threshold effects

The correlation between renewable energy technology innovation (RENTI) and carbon neutrality has been studied extensively. Meanwhile, an efficient digital financial system and a favorable innovation environment are essential to promote RENTI. This paper examines the effects of digital finance and the regional innovation environment on RENTI using panel data from 31 Chinese provinces spanning 2011 to 2020. The findings demonstrate that digital finance directly promotes RENTI. The marginal effect of digital finance is more significant for eastern regions and regions with developed finance. The threshold effect analysis shows that the positive impact of digital finance on RENTI reaches a higher level when government financial support and ICT development exceed a certain threshold. In addition, appropriate levels of human capital are conducive to the positive impact of digital finance. Finally, we find that digital finance promotes local RENTI and benefits RENTI in neighboring regions. Our findings offer insights for policymakers to guide digital finance to support RENTI and optimize the innovation environment.

Is renewable energy technology innovation an excellent strategy for reducing climate risk? The case of China

In this era of global warming the importance of climate risk cannot be understated, and finding ways to reduce climate risk is a topic worthy of study. In this paper, we innovatively examine the role of renewable energy technology innovation on climate risk in China. In addition to their linear relationship, we also investigate the asymmetric and heterogeneous impact, detect the impact channels, and find that (1) increased renewable energy technology innovation can effectively alleviate the climate risk situation. Accordingly, the development of renewable energy technology innovation can make a significant contribution to CR abatement. (2) Pronounced impacts of renewable energy technology innovation on climate risk can be observed in the higher quantiles (75th and 90th) of climate risk. (3) Renewable energy technology innovation is a powerful weapon for eradicating climate risk in provinces with a higher level of government fiscal expenditure. And (4) renewable energy technology innovation has an impact on climate risk by facilitating energy consumption efficiency, which is a necessary mediator. These conclusions inspire us to put forward several corresponding policy implications for better climate risk governance and renewable energy technology innovation development.

How do renewable energy transformation and technological innovation promote carbon productivity? Empirical evidence from China

The Chinese government is committed to achieve the goal of “double carbon” and proposes to shift from double control of energy consumption to double control of carbon emissions. In this scenario, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to study the impact of renewable energy transformation (RET) and technological innovation on carbon productivity (CP). Based on panel data obtained from 30 provinces of China from 2004 to 2021, this study empirically investigated the influence of RET and technological innovation on CP by using panel mean group (MG) estimation. For robustness test, ordinary least squares estimation method was adopted. The main conclusions are as follows: First, based on MG estimation, it was observed that RET has significant positive impact on CP in China. However, the coefficient of technological innovation was found to be significantly negative, indicating that enhancing technological innovation can improve CP. Additionally, the findings showed that economic development and industrial upgradation had a positive impact on CP. Second, the heterogeneity study showed that the RET in the eastern and western regions of China can improve CP. The coefficient of RET in the western region was significantly higher than that in the eastern region. The technological innovation coefficients in the eastern and central regions were significantly positive and enhancing technological innovation in these two regions can considerably improve CP; the technological innovation coefficient in the eastern region was higher than that in the central region. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) coefficients of the three regions were significantly positive and enhancing economic development can increase CP in these three regions. Finally, to improve CP, it is suggested to promote RET, increase investment in research and development, enhance technological innovation, emphasize high-quality development, prioritize adapting to local conditions, and implement region-appropriate policies and measures.

Renewable Energy Technology Innovation Effect on the Economics Growth

Renewable Energy Technology Innovation Effect on the Economics Growth

Does natural resources matter? Nexus among renewable energy policies, technological innovation, environmental protection, and economic growth

The objective of this study is to examine the relationship among different sources of renewable energy, role of technology, environment protection and economic growth. This study uses panel annual data set of selected BRICS countries from 1997 to 2019. This study uses the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimator, a second-generation estimator that takes slope homogeneity and cross-sectional dependence into consideration. For robustness, the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimator has also been utilized. The findings show that the use of renewable energy will rise as income inequality declines. The results of the analysis demonstrate a one-way causal association between income inequality and REC. This finding confirms that a reduction in income inequality will have a major impact on the adoption of renewable energy sources.

Mineral resource sustainability in the face of the resource exploitation and green recovery: Challenges and solutions

China's mining sector faces a pressing need to align profitability with eco-friendly resource extraction for sustainable development. Our study delves into the pivotal role of Renewable Energy Technology Innovation (RETI) in enhancing resource efficiency within this context. Analyzing data spanning 40 Chinese regions from 2000 to 2021, our research uncovers notable regional variations in RETI's impact on mineral resource sustainability. Rigorous validation measures, including addressing outliers and utilizing instrumental variable techniques, ensure the robustness of our findings. Specifically, RETI emerges as a catalyst for improving green mining resource efficiency in the Midwest and West regions but exhibits no parallel effect in the East. Crucially, the influence of RETI is intricately tied to changes in economic and human capital, offering valuable insights to expedite its adoption and optimize mineral asset sustainability in China's mining sector. This research contributes essential perspectives to propel the sector toward environmentally conscious practices and underscores the significance of adapting to cleaner energy sources for long-term viability.

Do geopolitical risks always harm energy security? Their non-linear effects and mechanism

Exploring the link between geopolitical risk (GPR) and energy security (ES) is essential for ensuring national security and sustainable economic development in the face of frequent global geopolitical conflicts and escalating geopolitical threats. Based on the newly developed GPR index, this research uses unbalanced panel data for 35 nations from 2005 to 2018 to examine the influence of GPR on ES and its impact mechanism. The results show that GPR causes the U-shape effect on ES that first decreases (GPR < 0.59) and then increases (GPR > 0.59), meaning that GPR causes both negative and positive effects on ES, and the results remain robust after a series of tests. Transmission mechanism analysis indicates that renewable energy technology innovation is the key transmission mechanism for the U-shape impact of GPR on ES. Moderating effect analysis shows that international trade reinforces the U-shape effect of GPR on ES, meaning that it reinforces both the negative and positive effects of GPR on ES, while FDI only reinforces the positive effect of GPR on ES. Heterogeneity analysis presents that the U-shape effect of GPR on ES is more significant in OECD countries and net energy-importing countries.

Examining the multiple impacts of renewable energy development on redefined energy security in China: A panel quantile regression approach

The increasing generation of renewable energy and its concurrent technological innovation are driving the transformations of the energy sector, but little effort has been made at the regional level to specify the heterogeneous impacts of different types of renewable energy development on multi-dimensional energy security. Therefore, this paper establishes a four-dimensional energy security assessment system based on the current energy market situation and economic context of China. Renewable energy generation and technological innovation were simultaneously used as the core proxies for renewable energy development. Then, the panel quantile regression method was used to analyze the heterogeneity of the impact of solar, hydro, and wind energy on energy security, covering 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2019. The empirical results show that renewable energy power generation generally promotes energy security, but it cannot be effectively applicable to all levels of energy security. Renewable energy technology innovation has surprisingly hindered energy security. These results can serve as a policy and practical guide, suggesting that provincial governments in China should implement energy security and renewable energy policies in line with local characteristics.