European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Green Energy

  • The Role of Environmental Regulations, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency in Finding the Path to Green Economic Growth

    The Role of Environmental Regulations, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency in Finding the Path to Green Economic Growth

    Do strict environmental laws help or hurt the economy? This research examines 20 years of data across the European Union to find the answer.

    By using the Global Malmquist–Luenberger index, the study measures “Green Economic Growth”—a metric that counts GDP gains while “penalizing” for carbon emissions.

    The findings reveal a fascinating U-shaped relationship: while initial environmental regulations may pose a temporary challenge to economic speed, they eventually “turn the corner.” As energy efficiency improves and renewable energy scales up, these regulations become the primary driver for a sustainable, high-performing economy.

    The study concludes that for the EU to reach its carbon-free goals, policymakers shouldn’t fear regulation; instead, they should view it as a necessary catalyst that forces the innovation required for long-term prosperity.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073090

    Reference

    Dzwigol, H., Kwilinski, A., Lyulyov, O., & Pimonenko, T. (2023). The Role of Environmental Regulations, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency in Finding the Path to Green Economic Growth. Energies, 16(7), 3090

  • Greenfield Investment as a Catalyst of Green Economic Growth

    Greenfield Investment as a Catalyst of Green Economic Growth

    If we want to stop depleting our planet’s resources while still growing our economies, we need to rethink where our money goes. This research investigates the power of “Greenfield” investments—building new, sustainable infrastructure from the floor up—as the ultimate catalyst for green growth.

    By analyzing EU data over 15 years, the study proves that when we invest in new renewable energy technologies, we don’t just reduce emissions; we improve the overall productivity of the nation.

    However, the findings come with a caveat: money alone isn’t enough. The effectiveness of these investments depends heavily on the “Efficiency of Public Governance.” In regions where the legal and political systems are transparent and open, green investments flourish.

    For the EU to achieve true “spatial harmony” in its climate goals, it must bridge the technological gap between its member states, ensuring that every Euro invested in green infrastructure is backed by a stable and efficient government framework.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/en16052372

    Reference

    Kwilinski, A., Lyulyov, O., & Pimonenko, T. (2023). Greenfield Investment as a Catalyst of Green Economic Growth. Energies, 16(5), 2372