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Exploring the Link Between Energy Consumption, Economic Growth, and Ecological Footprint in the Major Importers of Poland Energy: A Panel Data Analysis

Author

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  • Mohammad Tawfiq Noorzai

    (Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics, Kabul University, Kabul 1015, Afghanistan
    Department of Economics, Faculty of Political Sciences, Sakarya University, Esentepe Campus, Sakarya 54050, Türkiye)

  • Aneta Bełdycka-Bórawska

    (Department of Agrotechnology and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Aziz Kutlar

    (Department of Economics, Faculty of Political Sciences, Sakarya University, Esentepe Campus, Sakarya 54050, Türkiye)

  • Tomasz Rokicki

    (Institute of Management, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Piotr Bórawski

    (Department of Economics, Faculty of Political Sciences, Sakarya University, Esentepe Campus, Sakarya 54050, Türkiye)

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between renewable and non-renewable energy consumption, economic growth (EG), and ecological footprint (EF) in Poland’s top 18 energy-importing countries from 2000 to 2022. While the energy-growth-environment nexus is well-studied, limited attention has been paid to how a single major energy-exporting country influences sustainability in its trade partners, a gap this study aims to fill. A panel dataset was constructed using five key variables: real GDP per capita, Poland’s fuel exports, ecological footprint per capita, renewable energy consumption, and primary energy consumption per capita. Methodologically, the study employs panel cointegration techniques, including FMOL and DOLS estimators for long-run analysis, as well as the VECM and Granger causality tests for the short run. The study’s main contribution lies in its novel focus on Poland’s export influence and the application of advanced econometric models to examine long-run and short-run effects. Results indicate a stable long-run cointegration relationship. Specifically, a 1% increase in renewable energy use is associated with a 0.0219% rise in GDP per capita. Additionally, Poland’s fuel exports and ecological footprint positively impact growth, whereas primary energy use is statistically insignificant. These findings offer practical implications for policymakers in Poland and its trading partners aiming to align energy trade with sustainability goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Tawfiq Noorzai & Aneta Bełdycka-Bórawska & Aziz Kutlar & Tomasz Rokicki & Piotr Bórawski, 2025. "Exploring the Link Between Energy Consumption, Economic Growth, and Ecological Footprint in the Major Importers of Poland Energy: A Panel Data Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:13:p:3303-:d:1686183
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    References listed on IDEAS

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