Understanding the Dynamics of Political Economy in Relation to Energy Transition for G7 Economies

Abstract

This research covers the literature gap by investigating the factors of economic expansion (GDP), total natural resources (TNRNT), political risk index (PRI) and technological innovation (TI) and their impact on the renewable electricity output (REOT) in the G7 economies, covering the period 1990-2022. The research utilizes novel MMQREG as the primary method, while BSQR is a non-parametric robustness check method. A pairwise Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test is employed to find out the causal connection between variables. The diagnostic outcomes show that the modelled variables are static after the first difference while long-run equilibrium is also present. Moreover, the outcomes suggest that GDP negatively influences REOT across quantiles while TNRNT and PRI stimulate the use of REOT in G7 economies across quantiles. Moreover, TI positively influences REOT but is inconclusive across quantiles. The robustness check analysis provides similar and valid outcomes. Lowering political risk is also considered important for energy transition in terms of cleaner energy.