Effects of Digital Technologies on Renewable Energy Development: Empirical Evidence and Policy Implications from China

Despite widespread employment of digital technologies in renewable energy generating, transmitting, distribution, storage, and pricing, there is a lack of empirical investigation into the effects of digital technologies on renewable energy development. In this context, this paper estimates the influence of digital technologies on renewable energy market integration in China. This study conducts a series of regressions based on provincial data from 2003 to 2020 and an index of digital technologies measured with the entropy weight method, and finds that digital technologies have significantly bolstered renewable energy development in China. To analyze how to overcome specific barriers to renewable energy expansion, this paper also examines the case study of Qinghai province, which has the potential to power itself with 100% renewable energy. These findings provide valuable policy guidance for ASEAN countries regarding achieving carbon–neutral energy transitions.