IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/asieco/v97y2025ics1049007825000132.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Does ease of doing business promote renewable energy development? Evidence from 162 economies

Author

Listed:
  • Yang, Tianjian
  • Qian, Peng
  • Lei, Tianyi

Abstract

Clean energy development is a dual necessity for environmental security and sustainable economic development. Based on cross-country panel data from 162 countries and regions, the impact and heterogeneity of ease of doing business on renewable energy development is explored empirically. It is found that improved ease of doing business significantly contributes to the development of renewable energy, and the promotion effect is mainly found in countries with energy autarky countries and emerging market economies. The mechanism analysis shows that ease of doing business promotes the development of renewable energy by enhancing macroeconomic development. Further analysis reveals that the marginal effect of ease of doing business is magnified by the increase in carbon emissions. The findings in this paper provides evidence of market economy incentives for clean energy development.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Tianjian & Qian, Peng & Lei, Tianyi, 2025. "Does ease of doing business promote renewable energy development? Evidence from 162 economies," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:asieco:v:97:y:2025:i:c:s1049007825000132
    DOI: 10.1016/j.asieco.2025.101889
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1049007825000132
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.asieco.2025.101889?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Romer, Paul M, 1986. "Increasing Returns and Long-run Growth," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 94(5), pages 1002-1037, October.
    2. Chen, Yongmin & Puttitanun, Thitima, 2005. "Intellectual property rights and innovation in developing countries," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 78(2), pages 474-493, December.
    3. Komendantova, Nadejda & Patt, Anthony & Barras, Lucile & Battaglini, Antonella, 2012. "Perception of risks in renewable energy projects: The case of concentrated solar power in North Africa," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 103-109.
    4. Haidar, Jamal Ibrahim, 2012. "The impact of business regulatory reforms on economic growth," Journal of the Japanese and International Economies, Elsevier, vol. 26(3), pages 285-307.
    5. Marques, António Cardoso & Fuinhas, José Alberto & Pereira, Diogo Santos, 2019. "The dynamics of the short and long-run effects of public policies supporting renewable energy: A comparative study of installed capacity and electricity generation," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 188-206.
    6. Nick Johnstone & Ivan Haščič & David Popp, 2017. "Erratum to: Renewable Energy Policies and Technological Innovation: Evidence Based on Patent Counts," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 68(2), pages 441-444, October.
    7. Chen, Chung & Chang, Lawrence & Zhang, Yimin, 1995. "The role of foreign direct investment in China's post-1978 economic development," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 23(4), pages 691-703, April.
    8. Adrian Corcoran & Robert Gillanders, 2015. "Foreign direct investment and the ease of doing business," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 151(1), pages 103-126, February.
    9. Vo, Duc Hong & Vo, Anh The & Ho, Chi Minh & Nguyen, Ha Minh, 2020. "The role of renewable energy, alternative and nuclear energy in mitigating carbon emissions in the CPTPP countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 278-292.
    10. Javorcik, Beata S. & Wei, Shang-Jin, 2009. "Corruption and cross-border investment in emerging markets: Firm-level evidence," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 605-624, June.
    11. Marques, António C. & Fuinhas, José A. & Pires Manso, J.R., 2010. "Motivations driving renewable energy in European countries: A panel data approach," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(11), pages 6877-6885, November.
    12. Fouquet, Roger, 2010. "The slow search for solutions: Lessons from historical energy transitions by sector and service," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(11), pages 6586-6596, November.
    13. Ji, Qiang & Zhang, Dayong, 2019. "How much does financial development contribute to renewable energy growth and upgrading of energy structure in China?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 114-124.
    14. Yan, Zheng Joseph & Zhu, Jiuhua Cherrie & Fan, Di & Kalfadellis, Paul, 2018. "An institutional work view toward the internationalization of emerging market firms," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 53(5), pages 682-694.
    15. Buchak, Greg & Matvos, Gregor & Piskorski, Tomasz & Seru, Amit, 2018. "Fintech, regulatory arbitrage, and the rise of shadow banks," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 130(3), pages 453-483.
    16. Uzar, Umut, 2020. "Political economy of renewable energy: Does institutional quality make a difference in renewable energy consumption?," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 591-603.
    17. Zoundi, Zakaria, 2017. "CO2 emissions, renewable energy and the Environmental Kuznets Curve, a panel cointegration approach," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 1067-1075.
    18. Fagerberg, Jan & Srholec, Martin, 2008. "National innovation systems, capabilities and economic development," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(9), pages 1417-1435, October.
    19. Saint Akadiri, Seyi & Alola, Andrew Adewale & Akadiri, Ada Chigozie & Alola, Uju Violet, 2019. "Renewable energy consumption in EU-28 countries: Policy toward pollution mitigation and economic sustainability," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 803-810.
    20. Amuakwa-Mensah, Franklin & Näsström, Elin, 2022. "Role of banking sector performance in renewable energy consumption," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PB).
    21. Contractor, Farok J. & Dangol, Ramesh & Nuruzzaman, N. & Raghunath, S., 2020. "How do country regulations and business environment impact foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows?," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(2).
    22. Sadorsky, Perry, 2009. "Renewable energy consumption, CO2 emissions and oil prices in the G7 countries," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 456-462, May.
    23. Pan, Yuling & Dong, Feng, 2023. "Green finance policy coupling effect of fossil energy use rights trading and renewable energy certificates trading on low carbon economy: Taking China as an example," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 658-679.
    24. Prajogo, Daniel I., 2016. "The strategic fit between innovation strategies and business environment in delivering business performance," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 171(P2), pages 241-249.
    25. Siddik, Abu Bakkar & Khan, Samiha & Khan, Uzma & Yong, Li & Murshed, Muntasir, 2023. "The role of renewable energy finance in achieving low-carbon growth: contextual evidence from leading renewable energy-investing countries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).
    26. Nicholas Apergis & James E. Payne, 2014. "The causal dynamics between renewable energy, real GDP, emissions and oil prices: evidence from OECD countries," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(36), pages 4519-4525, December.
    27. Xinsheng Cui & Longfei Guo & Yuanyue Bian, 2023. "Improving business environments: a new approach to promote trade openness?," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(1), pages 43-57, January.
    28. Demirguc-Kunt, Asli & Love, Inessa & Maksimovic, Vojislav, 2006. "Business environment and the incorporation decision," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 30(11), pages 2967-2993, November.
    29. Marques, António Cardoso & Fuinhas, José Alberto, 2011. "Drivers promoting renewable energy: A dynamic panel approach," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(3), pages 1601-1608, April.
    30. Hayot Berk Saydaliev & Lee Chin, 2023. "Role of green financing and financial inclusion to develop the cleaner environment for macroeconomic stability: Inter-temporal analysis of ASEAN economies," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 56(6), pages 3839-3859, December.
    31. Ibrahim Elbadawi & Taye Mengistae & Albert Zeufack, 2006. "Market access, supplier access, and Africa's manufactured exports: A firm level analysis," The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(4), pages 493-523.
    32. Wu-Shun Tee & Lee Chin & Abdul Samad Abdul-Rahim, 2021. "Determinants of Renewable Energy Production: Do Intellectual Property Rights Matter?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-15, September.
    33. Duro, Juan Antonio & Padilla, Emilio, 2006. "International inequalities in per capita CO2 emissions: A decomposition methodology by Kaya factors," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 170-187, March.
    34. Thirunavukkarasu, M. & Sawle, Yashwant & Lala, Himadri, 2023. "A comprehensive review on optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems using various optimization techniques," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    35. Karol Kempa & Ulf Moslener & Oliver Schenker, 2021. "The cost of debt of renewable and non-renewable energy firms," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 6(2), pages 135-142, February.
    36. Dogan, Eyup & Seker, Fahri, 2016. "Determinants of CO2 emissions in the European Union: The role of renewable and non-renewable energy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 429-439.
    37. Jiang-Bo Geng & Qiang Ji, 2016. "Technological innovation and renewable energy development: evidence based on patent counts," International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 15(3), pages 217-234.
    38. Kim, Jeayoon & Park, Kwangwoo, 2016. "Financial development and deployment of renewable energy technologies," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 238-250.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Guo, Wen & Yang, Bo & Ji, Jiong & Liu, Xiaorui, 2023. "Green finance development drives renewable energy development: Mechanism analysis and empirical research," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    2. Ibrahiem, Dalia M. & Hanafy, Shaimaa A., 2021. "Do energy security and environmental quality contribute to renewable energy? The role of trade openness and energy use in North African countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 667-678.
    3. Bourcet, Clémence, 2020. "Empirical determinants of renewable energy deployment: A systematic literature review," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    4. Amine Lahiani & Sinha Avik & Muhammad Shahbaz, 2018. "Renewable energy consumption, income, CO2 emissions and oil prices in G7 countries: The importance of asymmetries," Post-Print hal-03677233, HAL.
    5. Dogan, Eyup & Chishti, Muhammad Zubair & Karimi Alavijeh, Nooshin & Tzeremes, Panayiotis, 2022. "The roles of technology and Kyoto Protocol in energy transition towards COP26 targets: Evidence from the novel GMM-PVAR approach for G-7 countries," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    6. Ge, Tao & Ding, Ziqi & Lu, Xiaoya & Yang, Keling, 2023. "Spillover effect of energy intensity targets on renewable energy consumption in China: A spatial econometric approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    7. Haifa Saadaoui & Nouri Chtourou, 2023. "Do Institutional Quality, Financial Development, and Economic Growth Improve Renewable Energy Transition? Some Evidence from Tunisia," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 14(3), pages 2927-2958, September.
    8. Wang, Ying & Zhang, Dayong & Ji, Qiang & Shi, Xunpeng, 2020. "Regional renewable energy development in China: A multidimensional assessment," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    9. Uzar, Umut, 2020. "Political economy of renewable energy: Does institutional quality make a difference in renewable energy consumption?," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 591-603.
    10. Husain, Shaiara & Sohag, Kazi & Wu, Yanrui, 2024. "Proven reserve oil and renewable energy nexus: Efficacy of policy stringency," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    11. Sweidan, Osama D., 2021. "Is the geopolitical risk an incentive or obstacle to renewable energy deployment? Evidence from a panel analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 377-384.
    12. Ma, Yu & Wang, Yutian & Zhou, Xiangjun, 2024. "The impact of green finance on the development of the non-hydro renewable energy industry: An empirical study based on data from 30 provinces in China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    13. Kassouri, Yacouba & Altuntaş, Mehmet & Alola, Andrew Adewale, 2022. "The contributory capacity of natural capital to energy transition in the European Union," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 190(C), pages 617-629.
    14. Rıdvan Karacan & Shahriyar Mukhtarov & İsmail Barış & Aykut İşleyen & Mehmet Emin Yardımcı, 2021. "The Impact of Oil Price on Transition toward Renewable Energy Consumption? Evidence from Russia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-14, May.
    15. Adedoyin, Festus Fatai & Bekun, Festus Victor & Hossain, Md. Emran & Ofori, Elvis kwame & Gyamfi, Bright Akwasi & Haseki, Murat Ismet, 2023. "Glasgow climate change conference (COP26) and its implications in sub-Sahara Africa economies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 214-222.
    16. Justyna Godawska & Joanna Wyrobek, 2021. "The Impact of Environmental Policy Stringency on Renewable Energy Production in the Visegrad Group Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-23, September.
    17. Luo, Jiahui & Dong, Jingrong & Tan, Zhixiong & Zhang, Haitao & Zhang, Wenqing, 2024. "Relatedness, digital economy and renewable energy product evolution—based on product space perspective," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
    18. Przychodzen, Wojciech & Przychodzen, Justyna, 2020. "Determinants of renewable energy production in transition economies: A panel data approach," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    19. Abir Khribich & Rami H. Kacem & Damien Bazin, 2024. "Assessing Technical Efficiency in Renewable Energy Consumption: A Stochastic Frontier Analysis with Scenario-Based Simulations," GREDEG Working Papers 2024-09, Groupe de REcherche en Droit, Economie, Gestion (GREDEG CNRS), Université Côte d'Azur, France.
    20. Sui, Bo & Sharma, Susan Sunila & Yao, Liu-Yang & Ni, Guo-Hua & Chang, Chun-Ping, 2024. "Does aging affect renewable energy? The role of extreme events and economic development," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:asieco:v:97:y:2025:i:c:s1049007825000132. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/asieco .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.