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Evaluating the impact of energy efficiency on green growth in Chinese cities: A spatial Durbin model approach

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  • Liu, Weidong
  • Chen, Xi

Abstract

This study examines the link between energy efficiency and green development by employing panel data from 254 Chinese prefecture-level cities and based on the new economic geography theory theoretical model. A spatial Durbin model investigates EE's impact on green growth and its spatial externalities across the critical NSS zones. The results support the hypothesis that energy efficiency improves green growth, and the effects are more evident in regions than between them. The study finds that the regional patterns are diverse: negative U-shaped in the Yangtze River Delta and Yellow River Basin, negative inverted U-shaped in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, adverse effects in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and positive in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Such variations are based on factors like knowledge transfers, industrial relations, environmental improvements, and regional market relations. The study recognizes data constraints, especially in the central and western regions, and conducts robustness tests to minimize biases. These results suggest there is a need for a strategic regional development approach that integrates energy efficiency with sustainable development and considers regional differentiation and development heterogeneity.

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  • Liu, Weidong & Chen, Xi, 2025. "Evaluating the impact of energy efficiency on green growth in Chinese cities: A spatial Durbin model approach," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:322:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225009405
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135298
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