Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Investment in renewable energy is the key to the energy transition. Oil-rich developing countries face a dilemma: they can either fall behind due to lost oil rents or leverage their temporary financial windfall to invest in clean energy. Women in decision-making roles may significantly influence this choice. This paper examines the effects of oil rent and women political representation on the share of renewable energy in installed capacity in 69 developing countries from 2000 to 2022, using an instrumental variables approach. Our findings suggest that oil rent discourages investment in renewable energy. However, women’s political participation, particularly their representation in parliament, enhances investment in renew- ables. Unlike previous studies, our findings suggest that electoral cycles, political systems, and political orientation have a less significant impact in developing countries. These results yield two key policy implications. First, oil-producing countries should commit to allocating a share of oil revenues to renewable energies, with clear and measurable targets for reducing fossil fuel reliance. Second, promoting women’s political participation can foster energy transition in these countries. JEL Codes: P18; Q28; Q35; Q38; J16.
Source: Revue économique
Authors: Mahamady Ouédraogo, Issaka Dialga
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4409412962