What affect energy poverty in China? A path towards sustainable development

Despite the crucial role of investment in energy under public–private partnership (I.E.P.P.P.) in abating environmental pollution and reducing energy poverty (E.P.), the existing literature offers less information about the nexus between I.E.P.P.P. and E.P. In order to identify the E.P. gap based on accessibility, affordability, and availability dimensions, this study investigates the factors influencing E.P., and examines the impact of I.E.P.P.P., globalisation (G.L.O.), output (G.D.P.), risk, technological innovation (T.I.) and renewable energy consumption (R.E.C.) on E.P. in China during the period of 1990 to 2019. The causal relationship between E.P. with its determinants is also examined. Utilising fully modified ordinary least squares (F.M.O.L.S.) econometric approach, we find that investment in energy with a public–private partnership, T.I., and gross domestic product (G.D.P.) bridge the gap for E.P., whereas R.E.C., composite risk index (C.R.I.), and G.L.O. increase the E.P. gap in China. In addition, frequency Domain Causality test reveals that unidirectional causation from I.E.P.P.P., G.D.P., T.I., G.L.O., risk, and R.E.C. to E.P. in the short run to long run.