IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i3p571-d1577007.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

How Does the Interplay Between Banking Performance, Digitalization, and Renewable Energy Consumption Shape Sustainable Development in European Union Countries?

Author

Listed:
  • Alina Georgiana Manta

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

  • Claudia Gherțescu

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

  • Roxana Maria Bădîrcea

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

  • Liviu Florin Manta

    (Faculty of Automation, Computers and Electronics, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

  • Jenica Popescu

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

  • Cătălin Valentin Mihai Lăpădat

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

Abstract

In the context of current global challenges, the integration of digitalization, financial performance, and renewable energy is pivotal in fostering sustainable and resilient economic development. The aim of this paper is to explore the interplay between banking performance, digitalization, and renewable energy consumption in the context of the European Union (EU), with a focus on sustainable economic development. This study examines the extent to which the digitalization and efficiency of the banking sector influence the uptake of renewable energy considering the EU’s environmental and economic priorities. The methodology used involves an econometric analysis based on statistical data from EU countries, using Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) to assess causal relationships between variables, complemented by Vector Autoregression (VAR) models and Granger causality tests to further investigate the dynamic interactions among the variables. The data were analyzed to examine the correlation between banking performance, digitalization, and renewable energy consumption levels. The results reveal a positive correlation between greater digitalization in the banking sector, stronger financial performance, and higher investments in renewable energy sources. These factors also support the transition to a green economy, but the effect varies between EU countries depending on national policies and existing digital infrastructure. Recommendations for policymakers include stimulating digitalization in the financial sector, creating a regulatory framework to encourage green energy investments, and strengthening collaboration between financial institutions and the energy sector to facilitate the transition to renewables. This paper also suggests a fiscal policy conducive to technological innovation and digitalization to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Alina Georgiana Manta & Claudia Gherțescu & Roxana Maria Bădîrcea & Liviu Florin Manta & Jenica Popescu & Cătălin Valentin Mihai Lăpădat, 2025. "How Does the Interplay Between Banking Performance, Digitalization, and Renewable Energy Consumption Shape Sustainable Development in European Union Countries?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-35, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:571-:d:1577007
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/3/571/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/3/571/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ha, Le Thanh, 2024. "Dynamic spill-over influences of FinTech innovation development on renewable energy volatility during the time of war in pandemic: A novel insight from a wavelet model," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 515-529.
    2. Zhang, Dongyang & Mohsin, Muhammad & Rasheed, Abdul Khaliq & Chang, Youngho & Taghizadeh-Hesary, Farhad, 2021. "Public spending and green economic growth in BRI region: Mediating role of green finance," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    3. Mohammed Alojail & Surbhi Bhatia Khan, 2023. "Impact of Digital Transformation toward Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-20, October.
    4. Paramati, Sudharshan Reddy & Ummalla, Mallesh & Apergis, Nicholas, 2016. "The effect of foreign direct investment and stock market growth on clean energy use across a panel of emerging market economies," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 29-41.
    5. Shahbaz, Muhammad & Lean, Hooi Hooi, 2012. "Does financial development increase energy consumption? The role of industrialization and urbanization in Tunisia," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 473-479.
    6. Palesa Milliscent Lefatsa & Kin Sibanda & Rufaro Garidzirai, 2021. "The Relationship between Financial Development and Energy Consumption in South Africa," Economies, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-21, October.
    7. Amuakwa-Mensah, Franklin & Näsström, Elin, 2022. "Role of banking sector performance in renewable energy consumption," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PB).
    8. Gyimah, Justice & Yao, Xilong & Tachega, Mark Awe & Sam Hayford, Isaac & Opoku-Mensah, Evans, 2022. "Renewable energy consumption and economic growth: New evidence from Ghana," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    9. Anton, Sorin Gabriel & Afloarei Nucu, Anca Elena, 2020. "The effect of financial development on renewable energy consumption. A panel data approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 330-338.
    10. Shahriyar Mukhtarov & Jeyhun I. Mikayilov & Jeyhun Mammadov & Elvin Mammadov, 2018. "The Impact of Financial Development on Energy Consumption: Evidence from an Oil-Rich Economy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-14, June.
    11. Dogan, Eyup & Seker, Fahri, 2016. "The influence of real output, renewable and non-renewable energy, trade and financial development on carbon emissions in the top renewable energy countries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1074-1085.
    12. Kao, Chihwa, 1999. "Spurious regression and residual-based tests for cointegration in panel data," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 90(1), pages 1-44, May.
    13. Sadorsky, Perry, 2011. "Financial development and energy consumption in Central and Eastern European frontier economies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(2), pages 999-1006, February.
    14. Kayani, Umar & Ullah, Mirzat & Aysan, Ahmet Faruk & Nazir, Sidra & Frempong, Josephine, 2024. "Quantile connectedness among digital assets, traditional assets, and renewable energy prices during extreme economic crisis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    15. Claudia GHERÈšESCU & Alina Georgiana MANTA, 2023. "Fintech Trends and Banking Digitalisation. Insights from a Bibliometric Analysis," Finante - provocarile viitorului (Finance - Challenges of the Future), University of Craiova, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 1(25), pages 24-36, November.
    16. Gao, Xiaoxue, 2023. "Digital transformation in finance and its role in promoting financial transparency," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).
    17. Yixuan Peng & Sayed Fayaz Ahmad & Muhammad Irshad & Muna Al-Razgan & Yasser A. Ali & Emad Marous Awwad, 2023. "Impact of Digitalization on Process Optimization and Decision-Making towards Sustainability: The Moderating Role of Environmental Regulation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-23, October.
    18. Alina Georgiana Manta & Nicoleta Mihaela Doran & Gheorghe Hurduzeu & Roxana Maria Bădîrcea & Marius Dalian Doran & Florin Liviu Manta, 2024. "Is there a direct benefit of using electronic commerce and electronic banking in mitigating climate change?," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 177(10), pages 1-22, October.
    19. Ullah, Assad & Dogan, Mesut & Pervaiz, Amber & Ather Bukhari, Azaz Ali & Akkus, Hilmi Tunahan & Dogan, Husna, 2024. "The impact of digitalization, technological and financial innovation on environmental quality in OECD countries: Investigation of N-shaped EKC hypothesis," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    20. Tamazian, Artur & Chousa, Juan Piñeiro & Vadlamannati, Krishna Chaitanya, 2009. "Does higher economic and financial development lead to environmental degradation: Evidence from BRIC countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 246-253, January.
    21. Badi H. Baltagi, 2021. "Econometric Analysis of Panel Data," Springer Texts in Business and Economics, Springer, edition 6, number 978-3-030-53953-5, July.
    22. Yue, Shujing & Lu, Rou & Shen, Yongchang & Chen, Hongtao, 2019. "How does financial development affect energy consumption? Evidence from 21 transitional countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 253-262.
    23. Chiu, Yi-Bin & Lee, Chien-Chiang, 2020. "Effects of financial development on energy consumption: The role of country risks," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    24. Sadorsky, Perry, 2010. "The impact of financial development on energy consumption in emerging economies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(5), pages 2528-2535, May.
    25. Elie, Luc & Granier, Caroline & Rigot, Sandra, 2021. "The different types of renewable energy finance: A Bibliometric analysis," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    26. Alina Georgiana Manta & Roxana Maria Badîrcea, 2014. "Measuring The Efficiency In The Romanian Banking System Through The Method Of The Data Envelopment Analysis (Dea)," Annals of University of Craiova - Economic Sciences Series, University of Craiova, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 1(42), pages 23-34.
    27. Li, Jie & Wu, Yu & Xiao, Jing Jian, 2020. "The impact of digital finance on household consumption: Evidence from China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 317-326.
    28. Ali M. Kutan & Sudharshan Reddy Paramati & Mallesh Ummalla & Abdulrasheed Zakari, 2018. "Financing Renewable Energy Projects in Major Emerging Market Economies: Evidence in the Perspective of Sustainable Economic Development," Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(8), pages 1761-1777, June.
    29. Karlilar, Selin & Balcilar, Mehmet & Emir, Firat, 2023. "Environmental sustainability in the OECD: The power of digitalization, green innovation, renewable energy and financial development," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(6).
    30. Chica-Olmo, Jorge & Sari-Hassoun, Salaheddine & Moya-Fernández, Pablo, 2020. "Spatial relationship between economic growth and renewable energy consumption in 26 European countries," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    31. Johansen, Soren, 1991. "Estimation and Hypothesis Testing of Cointegration Vectors in Gaussian Vector Autoregressive Models," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 59(6), pages 1551-1580, November.
    32. Manta, Alina Georgiana & Doran, Nicoleta Mihaela & Bădîrcea, Roxana Maria & Badareu, Gabriela & Țăran, Alexandra Mădălina, 2023. "Does the implementation of a Pigouvian tax be considered an effective approach to address climate change mitigation?," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 1719-1731.
    33. Ouyang, Yaofu & Li, Peng, 2018. "On the nexus of financial development, economic growth, and energy consumption in China: New perspective from a GMM panel VAR approach," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 238-252.
    34. Lichao Wu & David C. Broadstock, 2015. "Does economic, financial and institutional development matter for renewable energy consumption? Evidence from emerging economies," International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 8(1), pages 20-39.
    35. Levin, Andrew & Lin, Chien-Fu & James Chu, Chia-Shang, 2002. "Unit root tests in panel data: asymptotic and finite-sample properties," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 108(1), pages 1-24, May.
    36. Akintande, Olalekan J. & Olubusoye, Olusanya E. & Adenikinju, Adeola F. & Olanrewaju, Busayo T., 2020. "Modeling the determinants of renewable energy consumption: Evidence from the five most populous nations in Africa," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    37. Çoban, Serap & Topcu, Mert, 2013. "The nexus between financial development and energy consumption in the EU: A dynamic panel data analysis," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 81-88.
    38. Minli Yu & Fu-Sheng Tsai & Hui Jin & Hejie Zhang, 2022. "Digital finance and renewable energy consumption: evidence from China," Financial Innovation, Springer;Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, vol. 8(1), pages 1-19, December.
    39. Omri, Anis & Nguyen, Duc Khuong, 2014. "On the determinants of renewable energy consumption: International evidence," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 554-560.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Shahbaz, Muhammad & Topcu, Betül Altay & Sarıgül, Sevgi Sümerli & Vo, Xuan Vinh, 2021. "The effect of financial development on renewable energy demand: The case of developing countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 1370-1380.
    2. Zhongye Sun & Xin Zhang & Yifei Gao, 2023. "The Impact of Financial Development on Renewable Energy Consumption: A Multidimensional Analysis Based on Global Panel Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-20, February.
    3. Lahiani, Amine & Mefteh-Wali, Salma & Shahbaz, Muhammad & Vo, Xuan Vinh, 2021. "Does financial development influence renewable energy consumption to achieve carbon neutrality in the USA?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    4. Tan, Yan & Uprasen, Utai, 2022. "The effect of foreign direct investment on renewable energy consumption subject to the moderating effect of environmental regulation: Evidence from the BRICS countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(P2), pages 135-149.
    5. Xiaoxin Ma & Qiang Fu, 2020. "The Influence of Financial Development on Energy Consumption: Worldwide Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-15, February.
    6. Croutzet, Alexandre & Dabbous, Amal, 2021. "Do FinTech trigger renewable energy use? Evidence from OECD countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 1608-1617.
    7. Amuakwa-Mensah, Franklin & Näsström, Elin, 2022. "Role of banking sector performance in renewable energy consumption," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PB).
    8. Assi, Ala Fathi & Zhakanova Isiksal, Aliya & Tursoy, Turgut, 2021. "Renewable energy consumption, financial development, environmental pollution, and innovations in the ASEAN + 3 group: Evidence from (P-ARDL) model," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(P1), pages 689-700.
    9. Ibrahiem, Dalia M. & Hanafy, Shaimaa A., 2021. "Do energy security and environmental quality contribute to renewable energy? The role of trade openness and energy use in North African countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 667-678.
    10. Ulaş Ünlü & Furkan Yıldırım & Ayhan Kuloğlu & Ersan Ersoy & Emin Hüseyin Çetenak, 2022. "Nexus between Renewable Energy, Credit Gap Risk, Financial Development and R&D Expenditure: Panel ARDL Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-19, December.
    11. Shahbaz, Muhammad & Sinha, Avik & Raghutla, Chandrashekar & Vo, Xuan Vinh, 2022. "Decomposing scale and technique effects of financial development and foreign direct investment on renewable energy consumption," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(PB).
    12. Irfan Ullah Munir & Shen Yue & Abdelmohsen A. Nassani & Muhammad Moinuddin Qazi Abro & Shabir Hyder & Khalid Zaman, 2021. "Structural changes, financial and business regulatory measures, energy and tourism demand: Evidence from group of seven countries," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(2), pages 2198-2218, April.
    13. Habiba, Umme & Xinbang, Cao, 2023. "The contribution of different aspects of financial development to renewable energy consumption in E7 countries: The transition to a sustainable future," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 703-714.
    14. Chiu, Yi-Bin & Lee, Chien-Chiang, 2020. "Effects of financial development on energy consumption: The role of country risks," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    15. Ioannis Dokas & Minas Panagiotidis & Stephanos Papadamou & Eleftherios Spyromitros, 2022. "The Determinants of Energy and Electricity Consumption in Developed and Developing Countries: International Evidence," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-30, March.
    16. Uddin, Md. Kamal & Pan, Xiongfeng & Saima, Umme & Zhang, Chengming, 2022. "Influence of financial development on energy intensity subject to technological innovation: Evidence from panel threshold regression," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PD).
    17. Durusu-Ciftci, Dilek & Soytas, Ugur & Nazlioglu, Saban, 2020. "Financial development and energy consumption in emerging markets: Smooth structural shifts and causal linkages," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    18. Amuakwa-Mensah, Franklin & Klege, Rebecca A. & Adom, Philip K. & Amoah, Anthony & Hagan, Edmond, 2018. "Unveiling the energy saving role of banking performance in Sub-Sahara Africa," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 828-842.
    19. Mahalik, Mantu Kumar & Babu, M. Suresh & Loganathan, Nanthakumar & Shahbaz, Muhammad, 2017. "Does financial development intensify energy consumption in Saudi Arabia?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 1022-1034.
    20. Muhammad Shahbaz & Mehmet Akif Destek & Michael L. Polemis, 2018. "Do Foreign Capital and Financial Development Affect Clean Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions? Evidence from BRICS and Next-11 Countries," SPOUDAI Journal of Economics and Business, SPOUDAI Journal of Economics and Business, University of Piraeus, vol. 68(4), pages 20-50, October-D.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:571-:d:1577007. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.