The role of ICT in facilitating renewable energy adoption across BRICS and G-7 economies

Accelerating the shift toward renewable energy sources remains indispensable for fostering global development, particularly through the curtailing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and the advancing environmental sustainability. The present examine explores the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the adoption of renewable energy and its subsequent impact on environmental quality in BRICS and G-7 countries. Using panel data from 1996–2024, we employ fixed and random effects regressions, complemented by panel quantile regression (PQR) analysis to capture distributional effects beyond those revealed by traditional methods. Empirical findings consistently corroborate an adverse impact between renewable energy consumption and CO₂ emissions across all quantiles, underscoring its effectiveness in environmental quality. However, robust least squares estimations reveal that renewable energy consumption, along with energy imports, ICT infrastructure indicators, especially fixed-telephone subscriptions and globalization index, may contribute to reduce pollution levels in the long run. Conversely, several other explanatory variables exhibit a substantial capacity to decrease environmental quality. This research enriches the extant literature by illuminating ICT’s dual role in fostering environmental protection while supporting broader developmental objectives. The outcomes yield actionable guidance to practitioners and policymakers pursuing to promote sustainable development through ICT-driven initiatives. Furthermore, we also advocate for heightened awareness of environmental issues in developing countries and suggest the implementation of carbon tax rebates as a policy instrument to encourage green industries.