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Does renewable energy technology innovation achieve the synergistic effect of pollution and carbon reduction?

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  • Zhang, Hongchang
  • Wang, Yue
  • Wang, Weimei

Abstract

Developing economies face dual challenges: environmental pollution and carbon emissions. These challenges underscore the critical need to explore synergistic mitigation pathways. Renewable energy technology innovation (RETI) has emerged as a potential dual solution. However, existing research inadequately addresses its mechanisms, quantitative impacts, and policy design. Based on provincial panel data from China during 2009–2023, this study employs System Generalized Method of Moments (sys-GMM) for analysis. The results show that: (1) RETI significantly suppresses the synergistic effect of pollution and carbon emissions (SEPCE), which holds after a series of robustness tests such as segregating the explained variables, changing the measurement of the explained and core explanatory variables and adjusting the study sample; (2) RETI impacts SEPCE through three pathways: upgrading of industrial structure, improvement of energy efficiency and expansion of production scale; (3) The impact of RETI is particularly pronounced in eastern provinces, in regions with stringent environmental regulations, and after 2011. This study deepens the understanding of the effects, mechanisms, and heterogeneity of RETI empowering “dual carbon” strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Hongchang & Wang, Yue & Wang, Weimei, 2025. "Does renewable energy technology innovation achieve the synergistic effect of pollution and carbon reduction?," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 250(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:250:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125009917
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123329
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Jun Guan & Yuwei Guan & Xu Liu & Shaopeng Zhang, 2025. "Impact Mechanisms and Empirical Analysis of Urban Network Position on the Synergy Between Pollution Reduction and Carbon Mitigation: A Case Study of China’s Three Major Urban Agglomerations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-24, June.
    4. Wang, Qipeng & Liu, Yong, 2025. "Evaluating the impact of new energy demonstration city construction on urban air quality: Evidence from a DID analysis of Chinese cities," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 332(C).

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