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Can Digital Economy Promote Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction in Heavily Polluting Enterprises? Empirical Evidence from China

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  • Rongwu Zhang

    (School of Management, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Wenqiang Fu

    (School of Management, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Yingxu Kuang

    (College of Business, University of Houston-Victoria, Victoria, TX 77901, USA)

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of digital economy on corporate energy conservation and emission reduction (CECER) using China’s A-share listed heavily polluting enterprises from 2012 to 2019 as a sample. Our results show that: (1) Digital economy can significantly increase CECER, and this effect is significant for mining and manufacturing enterprises, and less significant for power, heat production and supply enterprises; (2) Mechanism research shows that digital economy promotes CECER through enhancing the green technology innovation capability, easing the financing constraints, and boosting market competition; (3) Heterogeneity research indicates that the promotion of digital economy to CECER is more significant in economically developed regions and regions with less financial pressure from local governments. This paper clarifies the factors influencing CECER and provides empirical evidence for achieving digital economy development and government goals for CECER.

Suggested Citation

  • Rongwu Zhang & Wenqiang Fu & Yingxu Kuang, 2022. "Can Digital Economy Promote Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction in Heavily Polluting Enterprises? Empirical Evidence from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-21, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:9812-:d:883820
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    Cited by:

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    4. Xiang Cheng & Xiaohui Chen, 2024. "The digital economy and power consumption: empirical analysis based on consumption intensity in China," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(8), pages 19755-19777, August.
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    10. Gedi Ji & Qisheng Wang & Qing Chang & Yu Fang & Jianglin Bi & Ming Chen, 2024. "Evolutionary Game Analysis of Government Regulation on Green Innovation Behavior Decision-Making of Energy Enterprises," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-18, August.
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