Renewable energy consumption-economic growth nexus in E-7 countries

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the long-run relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth for E-7 countries over the period 1992–2012 by heterogeneous panel data analysis techniques. Heterogeneous panel cointegration test results confirm the existence of a long-run relationship among real gross domestic product (GDP), renewable energy consumption, real gross fixed capital formation, and labor force. According to the long-run output elasticities, renewable energy consumption has a positive impact on real GDP in E-7 countries. In this study, long-run output elasticities of each country are also estimated by time series analysis techniques. Empirical findings reveal the heterogeneity across countries.

KEYWORDS:

• Economic growth
• E-7
• panel data
• renewable energy
• sustainability