How do trade patterns of renewable energy products affect sustainable development goals? Evidence from Belt and Road countries

The trade pattern of renewable energy products is continuously evolving, offering a novel pathway for countries to achieve the harmonization of green energy supply, environmental protection, carbon reduction, pollution control, and economic sustainability. Based on the 2007–2021 data of 54 countries along the Belt and Road, this study constructs the Renewable Energy Products Trade Network (BRREPTN) through social network analysis. To examine how trade intensity and centrality affect the Sustainable Development Goal Index (SDGI). The following conclusions can be drawn: (1) Overall, BRREPTN exhibits a tightly integrated and concentrated structure. There is notable "hub countries" within the network. (2) Empirical results indicate that an increase in trade intensity and centrality of countries positively impacts SDGI. (3) Mechanism analysis reveals that import and export trade facilitate the development of renewable energy infrastructure, with import intensity and centrality contributing to enhanced electricity access levels. However, renewable energy technology exerts a negative mediation effect. (4) Heterogeneity tests demonstrate that import trade and centrality assist low- and middle-income countries, as well as those with low resource dependence, in achieving sustainable development. Conversely, other countries exhibit advantages in export trade intensity. Based on these findings, this paper recommends that countries develop import and export strategies for renewable energy products based on their respective developmental conditions. Specific policy suggestions include establishing technology transfer platforms, integrating import trade with the cultivation of local industrial chains, among others.