Work

How Does Fintech Affect Green Total Factor Energy Efficiency? Evidence from 240 Cities in China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Enhancing green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE) is crucial for achieving sustainable development. Against this backdrop, this study aims to investigate the impact of fintech on GTFEE, using annual data from 240 Chinese cities between 2011 and 2021. Methodologically, we employ the SBM–Malmquist–Luenberger model to measure GTFEE and assess the role of fintech. The results demonstrate that fintech significantly promotes GTFEE, a finding that remains robust after addressing endogeneity issues and replacing key variables. Further mechanism analysis reveals that fintech facilitates GTFEE by alleviating financing constraints and stimulating technological innovation. Moreover, the effect is particularly pronounced in eastern regions, non-resource-based cities, service-oriented cities, and larger urban areas. Importantly, quantile regression results confirm that fintech exerts a stronger positive impact at higher quantiles of the GTFEE distribution. These findings offer both theoretical insights and practical policy implications for advancing energy efficiency through fintech development.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17198671

Authors: Zi-Han Liu, Zheng-Zheng Li, Oana Ramona Lobonț, Kai-Hua Wang

Institutions: Qingdao University, West University of Timişoara

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, Economic Growth

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896