Two-stage clustering-focusing measurement modeling for national new energy market development level: An empirical analysis of 81 economies

Developing new energy markets is crucial for the global energy transition and countries' sustainability, but the overall state of international markets and market development differences among major countries remain unclear. A two-stage clustering-focusing measurement model is developed considering industrial development (P), consumption coordination and security (C), and country-specific environmental conditions (O), and 81 economies' new energy market development levels are analyzed. Five country clusters are identified in the first stage with obvious regional clustering characteristics. Countries show a three-echelon distribution in market development levels and P, C, and O dimensional performances in the second stage; the P dimension has a stronger clustering. Two-stage country cluster results exhibit high consistency. The matching test shows that only 23 economies fall within the matchable range. Weak industrial development (P) performance dominates the development condition mismatches of new energy markets and hinders market development in most countries. Market development strategies for different clusters regarding resource-integrated, resource-cooperative, and technology-cooperative countries are proposed. This study presents an efficient approach to quantifying the energy market development level. The results provide strategic insights for national new energy policy adjustment, industrial planning, and overseas decision-making, as well as promote international new energy cooperation and the development of industries worldwide.