Research on the Impact of Energy Efficiency on Green Development: A Case Study of the Yellow River Basin in China

Jianhua Liu, Yingying Zhang (), Lingyu Pu, Liangchao Huang (), Huiyang Wang and Muddassar Sarfraz
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Jianhua Liu: School of Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Yingying Zhang: School of Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Lingyu Pu: School of Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Liangchao Huang: School of Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Huiyang Wang: School of Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-19

Abstract: In order to achieve China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality (double carbon) targets and to advance ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, it is essential that China reduces its energy intensity and increases its energy efficiency. This research developed an evaluation index system for energy efficiency and green development in the Yellow River Basin based on panel data collected from 64 of its prefecture-level cities and covering the period from 2011 to 2020. Each city’s energy efficiency and green development level index was calculated, and was analyzed together with the characteristics of its spatial pattern progression. The STIRPAT model was then used to investigate the influence mechanism of energy efficiency on green development. The final step in the analysis was to assess the process by which technical innovation influences the rise in energy efficiency from a green development point of view. The findings of this study indicate that: (1) There was a marked improvement in energy efficiency and green development levels across the Yellow River Basin over the study period of 2011 to 2020, but there are notable disparities among prefecture-level cities, with higher levels found in capital cities and cities in the lower reaches of the basin. (2) The improvement in energy efficiency has had a positive impact on the transition to green development, with factors such as human capital, urbanization levels, and the upgrading of industrial structures contributing significantly, while the level of foreign direct investment has had a limited impact. (3) Technological innovation plays a partial role in mediating the relationship between energy efficiency and green development in the Yellow River Basin, and passes the single-threshold test. When technological innovation surpasses the threshold value, the effect of energy efficiency on green development is significantly strengthened. This study indicates that improving energy efficiency, stimulating emerging industries, and enhancing technological innovation capabilities can significantly promote transformative green and high quality development in the Yellow River Basin of China.

Keywords: energy efficiency; green development; Yellow River Basin; sustainable development; green economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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