Determinants of Non-Hydro Renewable Energy Consumption in China’s Provincial Regions

Yuanbo Hu, Weilun Huang (), Aibi Dai and Xuemeng Zhao
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Yuanbo Hu: School of Digital Business (Wenzhou Supply Chain Academy, Wenzhou Supply Chain Research Institute), Zhejiang Dongfang Polytechnic, Wenzhou 325025, China
Weilun Huang: School of Finance and Trade, Wenzhou Business College, Wenzhou 325035, China
Aibi Dai: School of Intelligent Elderly Care (School of Health and Medicine), Zhejiang Dongfang Polytechnic, Wenzhou 325025, China
Xuemeng Zhao: School of Finance and Trade, Wenzhou Business College, Wenzhou 325035, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-43

Abstract: This study investigates the determinants of non-hydro renewable energy (NHRE) consumption across 31 provincial regions in China, spanning from 2015 to 2022. Utilizing fixed effects and moderating effects, the research analyzes the impacts of research and development intensity (RDI), urbanization (UR), and human capital (HC) on NHRE consumption (NHREC). Additionally, the moderating roles of industrial structure (IS) and tax (TA) are examined, along with control variables such as informationization and economic development. The findings reveal that increased RDI significantly boosts NHREC by enhancing technological advancements. UR also positively affects NHREC, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions, while HC provides a skilled workforce that drives renewable energy projects. However, the study identifies that concentrated industrial structures and high taxes can negatively moderate these positive impacts, highlighting the complex interplay of these factors. Policy recommendations include creating “Renewable Energy Innovation Hubs” in underdeveloped regions to attract startups and researchers, developing “Solar Cities” with mandated solar panels on all buildings, and introducing a “Carbon Offset Lottery” to incentivize investments in renewable energy.

Keywords: non-hydro renewable energy; research and development intensity; urbanization; human capital; industrial structure; tax; regional disparities (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: 2024
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