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The effectiveness of renewable energy technology under the EKC hypothesis and the impact of fossil and nuclear energy investments on the UK's Ecological Footprint

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  • Özbek, Sefa
  • Naimoğlu, Mustafa

Abstract

This study addresses a critical gap in the literature by analyzing the environmental impact of renewable energy R&D effectiveness alongside other energy-related R&D investments, which has been largely neglected. Focusing on the UK from 1990 to 2022, the research examines the role of R&D in renewable energy, fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and GDP in driving the Ecological Footprint (EF). While previous studies on the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) have rarely incorporated energy-related R&D, this study emphasizes that increasing renewable energy use, relative to R&D effectiveness, is key to understanding its environmental benefits. Using advanced econometric techniques such as Fourier Engle-Granger and Fourier ADL cointegration tests, FMOLS, CCR, and DOLS estimators, the findings reveal that enhanced renewable energy R&D significantly reduces EF, while fossil fuel and nuclear energy R&D investments also contribute to environmental mitigation. Additionally, GDP shows a long-term negative relationship with EF, aligning with the EKC hypothesis, though its short-term effect on environmental quality is limited. By highlighting the underexplored role of energy R&D, this study provides critical insights for policymakers seeking to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Özbek, Sefa & Naimoğlu, Mustafa, 2025. "The effectiveness of renewable energy technology under the EKC hypothesis and the impact of fossil and nuclear energy investments on the UK's Ecological Footprint," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:322:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225009934
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135351
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