The Impact of Financial Inclusion on CO2 Emissions: The Mediating Role of Renewable Energy and the Moderating Role of Institutional Quality

Huong Thi Thanh Tran (), Bich Ngoc Nguyen (), Thao Thi Phuong Nguyen () and Quang Quoc Cao ()
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Huong Thi Thanh Tran: Banking Academy of Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam,
Bich Ngoc Nguyen: Banking Academy of Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam,
Thao Thi Phuong Nguyen: Banking Academy of Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam,
Quang Quoc Cao: National Economics University, Hanoi, Vietnam.

International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 2026, vol. 16, issue 2, 991-1002

Abstract: This study uses a fixed-effects regression model with Robust standard errors, employing data from 52 countries between 2017 and 2022 to examine the impact of financial inclusion (FI) on CO2 emissions through the mediating role of renewable energy (RE) and institutional quality. The research results present a multifaceted picture of the impact of FI on CO2 emissions and the role of RE alongside institutional quality. The positive impact of FI on CO2 emissions suggests that the current expansion of access to finance primarily promotes production and consumption in a way that increases demand for traditional energy, thereby increasing emissions. The estimated indirect effects are all negative and statistically significant, implying that FI has the potential to reduce emissions through RE when supported by appropriate institutional frameworks. Current institutional frameworks are not strong enough to reduce emissions, but the interaction between RE and institutional quality could reverse this trend, helping to slow down the rate of CO? increase. Based on the results obtained, the study provides recommendations to policymakers and organizations to reduce CO? emissions in countries in the future.

Keywords: Renewable Energy; CO2 Emissions; Financial Inclusion; Institutional Quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eco:journ2:v:16:y:2026:i:2:id:22929

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DOI: 10.32479/ijeep.22929

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