Assessing the Impact of Energy Sources and Macroeconomic Factors on Environmental Sustainability: Evidence from South Africa

Nyiko Worship Hlongwane (), Hlalefang Khobai () and Ombeswa Ralarala ()
Additional contact information
Nyiko Worship Hlongwane: Department of Accounting and Economics, Sol Plaatje University Central Campus, Kimberley 8300, South Africa,
Hlalefang Khobai: Faculty of Commerce and Administration, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa.
Ombeswa Ralarala: Department of Accounting and Economics, Sol Plaatje University Central Campus, Kimberley 8300, South Africa,

International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 2026, vol. 16, issue 1, 1190-1207

Abstract: This study examines the role of energy sources and macroeconomic factors in environmental sustainability in South Africa, utilizing time series data from 1985 to 2024. The primary objective is to investigate the impact of different energy sources, electricity prices, economic growth, population growth, and inflation on CO2 emissions and greenhouse gas emissions. The study employs Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models to analyze the short-run and long-run relationships between energy consumption, energy generation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The key findings indicated that a negative statistically significant relationship exists between electricity prices and CO2 emissions in the short run, but electricity prices increase greenhouse gas emissions in the long run. Renewable energy has a significant negative impact on CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, promoting environmental sustainability. Economic growth increases CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis. Population growth increases CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions in the long run. Nuclear power has a positive impact on CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, contradicting some previous studies. The study's policy recommendations include implementing pricing mechanisms that encourage energy conservation and reduce emissions. Investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy. Promoting sustainable economic growth by investing in green technologies and implementing policies that balance economic development with environmental protection. Developing strategies to manage population growth and its impact on the environment. Implement policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote a green economy.

Keywords: Environmental Sustainability; Energy Sources; Macroeconomic Factors; Climate Action; South Africa; SDGs 7, 8, and 13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://econjournals.com/index.php/ijeep/article/download/22009/9847 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eco:journ2:v:16:y:2026:i:1:id:22009

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
https://econjournals.com/index.php/ijeep

DOI: 10.32479/ijeep.22009

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy from International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Monica Sinhat ().