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Assessing the global impact of artificial intelligence on energy resilience: The role of financial inclusion

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  • Feng, Yanchao
  • Yan, Tong
  • Guo, Jia

Abstract

In the digital era, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies and energy systems. This paper assesses the global effect of AI on energy resilience (ER), emphasizing the moderating role of financial inclusion (FI). Using panel data from 64 countries over the period from 2000 to 2019, this study employs the IV-GMM, difference-in-differences, and panel quantile regression models to ensure robust results. Findings show that a 1 % increase in AI contributes to roughly a 0.04 %–0.13 % increase in ER, and that FI strengthens this effect. Mediation analysis reveals that per capita GDP, technological progress, and human capital mediate the artificial intelligence-energy resilience relationship. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that while AI improves ER in low-resilience contexts, it may reduce it in high-income countries, and has no significant effect in middle-income ones. These results underline the importance of tailoring AI and FI strategies to national contexts. Policymakers should focus on advancing AI-enabled energy management and expanding access to inclusive finance services to build more resilient energy systems worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng, Yanchao & Yan, Tong & Guo, Jia, 2026. "Assessing the global impact of artificial intelligence on energy resilience: The role of financial inclusion," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceps:v:103:y:2026:i:c:s0038012125002290
    DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2025.102380
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