Renewable energy adoption in BCIM-EC countries: economic and institutional drivers
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and COP28 have intensified the urgency of accelerating renewable energy transitions. However, progress remains uneven in regions where institutional weakness and fossil-fuel dependence constrain clean energy adoption. This study examines economic and institutional drivers of renewable energy in Bangladesh, China, India, and Myanmar from 1990 to 2020. Using panel ARDL framework, the results reveal that political corruption, and primary energy consumption adversely affect renewable energy adoption in the long run. In contrast, human development positively influences renewable energy consumption. However, the method of moments quantile regression further supports panel ARDL findings except for FDI. At lower quantiles, real GDP positively affects renewable energy adoption, but its effect becomes negative at median and higher quantiles. Political corruption remains negatively significant across quantiles, indicating that it limits renewable energy uptake. Finally, Wald test confirms asymmetric effects of corruption and primary energy consumption. The findings suggest that economic growth and foreign investment alone do not guarantee renewable energy expansion unless they are supported by corruption control, clean energy oriented investment, and human development. Overall the results emphasize the integrated policy reforms to align the BCIM-EC’s energy pathway with global net-zero emission targets and sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 7 and SDG 13.
Source: Sustainable Futures
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,340
OpenAlex ID: W7221306285