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Artificial intelligence and corporate energy consumption: The policy effects of the new-generation artificial intelligence innovation and development pilot zones

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  • Guan, Tong
  • Zheng, Rui
  • Chen, Aoyun

Abstract

Amid the rapid progression of artificial intelligence technology, the integration of intelligent applications into corporate production and operations is continuously transforming energy utilization methods, thereby profoundly affecting energy consumption efficiency and sustainable development. Consequently, this study employs panel data from China's A-share listed companies covering 2013 to 2023, treating the next-generation artificial intelligence innovation development pilot zone policy (the AIDPZ policy) as a quasi-natural experiment. Using a multi-period difference-in-differences methodology and combining theoretical with empirical approaches, it examines the impact and mechanistic pathways of these pilot zones on enterprise energy consumption. Results demonstrate that AIDPZ Policy implementation significantly reduces corporate energy consumption, a finding that persists after undergoing a series of robustness checks. Mechanism tests indicate that AIDPZ Policy drives energy consumption reduction by enhancing firms' artificial intelligence application capabilities, boosting green innovation, and improving resource allocation efficiency. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that AIDPZ Policy's inhibitory effect on energy consumption is more evident in non-heavy polluting enterprises, non-state-owned firms, and businesses in highly marketized regions. Further analysis finds AIDPZ Policy promotes high-quality enterprise development and synergizes with government environmental regulations and corporate executives' sustainability efforts to reduce energy consumption effects. This paper not only enriches theoretical studies on artificial intelligence policy impacts and corporate energy use, providing fresh analytical viewpoints for related fields, but also offers practical guidance for advancing corporate energy conservation, emission reduction, and green transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Guan, Tong & Zheng, Rui & Chen, Aoyun, 2026. "Artificial intelligence and corporate energy consumption: The policy effects of the new-generation artificial intelligence innovation and development pilot zones," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 148-164.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:89:y:2026:i:c:p:148-164
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2025.11.032
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