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Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Paul Adjei Kwakwa, Solomon Aboagye, Vera Acheampong and Abigail Achaamah

The desire for a sustainable environment has led to the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase renewable energy usage. Empirical evidence generally shows that…

Abstract

Purpose

The desire for a sustainable environment has led to the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase renewable energy usage. Empirical evidence generally shows that financial development has a significant effect on these two variables. However, little is known about how the financial strength of financial institutions influences them in the fight against climate change. This study aims to assess the effect of the financial strength of listed financial institutions on renewable energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analyses were used to estimate the effect of asset quality, credit management, return on equity/asset and firm size on renewable energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for data covering from 2009 to 2018.

Findings

The results revealed that return on equity reduces renewable energy consumption and increases carbon dioxide emissions. It is also found that credit risk management and asset quality positively influence renewable energy consumption but reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Ghana.

Practical implications

Policymakers need to identify profitable but less polluting ventures and draw the attention of financial institutions in the country. This may cause banks and other lending-giving institutions to desist from giving credits to support environmentally harmful ventures.

Originality/value

The paper assessed the effect that the financial strength of financial institutions has on renewable energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2023

Marcellin Makpotche, Kais Bouslah and Bouchra B. M’Zali

The intensity of carbon emissions has led to the serious problem of global warming, and the consequences in terms of climatic disasters are gaining increasing attention worldwide…

Abstract

Purpose

The intensity of carbon emissions has led to the serious problem of global warming, and the consequences in terms of climatic disasters are gaining increasing attention worldwide. As the energy sector is responsible for most global emissions, developing clean energy is crucial to combat climate change. This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance and renewable energy (RE) consumption and explore the interaction between RE production and RE use.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an econometric framework of a panel model, followed by the robustness check using alternative methods, including logit regressions. The bivariate probit model is used to analyze the interaction between the decision to use and the decision to produce RE. The analysis is based on a sample of 3,896 firms covering 45 countries worldwide.

Findings

The results reveal that appropriate governance mechanisms positively impact RE consumption. These include the existence of a sustainability committee; environmental, social and governance-based compensation policy; financial performance-based compensation; sustainability external audit; transparency; board gender diversity; and board independence. Firms with appropriate governance mechanisms are more likely to produce and use RE than others. Finally, while RE use positively impacts firm value and environmental performance, the authors find no significant effect on current profitability.

Originality/value

This study goes beyond previous research by exploring the impact of multiple governance mechanisms. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is also the first study examining the relationship between RE use and firm value. Overall, the findings suggest that RE transition requires, first of all, establishing appropriate governance mechanisms within companies.

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 December 2023

Swarnalakshmi Umamaheswaran, Vandita Dar, John Ben Prince and Viswanathan Thangaraj

This study aims to explore the perceptions of investors regarding the risks associated with funding renewable energy projects in India, as well as the various factors that…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the perceptions of investors regarding the risks associated with funding renewable energy projects in India, as well as the various factors that influence these perceptions. The investigation is limited to debt providers and seeks to pinpoint the primary risks that bankers perceive and the drivers that shape these perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on interviews and surveys of Indian bank executives, investigating how finance providers perceive risks in the Indian context and the factors driving such perceptions. Qualitative interviews have been used for operationalizing “risk perception” within the renewable energy domain, followed by a quantitative survey and exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

The authors find that experience and capacity are the most important factors that account for 30% of the overall variance. The second factor, which accounts for 15% of the variance, includes the perceived risks in funding renewable energy projects as compared to infrastructure projects. Among individual risks, the authors find that bankers perceive technological risk to be the lowest (5%) and contractual and regulatory risks as the highest (66%) in renewable energy projects.

Research limitations/implications

The study contextualizes risk perception toward renewable energy investments in the Indian context by drawing from the risk perception literature and qualitative interviews with senior bankers. It presents empirical evidence on the decision-making behavior of bankers, who are important stakeholders of the renewable energy ecosystem. The main limitation of the study is the relatively small sample, and generalizing the results to the broader population might require a larger sample. This will facilitate the use of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, which can facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of risk perceptions in renewables financing.

Originality/value

Insights gained can be used to provide policy recommendations for improving the financing ecosystem of renewable energy projects. The research significantly contributes to the extant literature within the renewable energy financing domain for emerging economies.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2024

Hiva Rastegar, Gabriel Eweje and Aymen Sajjad

This paper aims to unravel the relationship between market-driven impacts of climate change and firms’ deployment of renewable energy (RE) innovation. The purpose is to understand…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to unravel the relationship between market-driven impacts of climate change and firms’ deployment of renewable energy (RE) innovation. The purpose is to understand how market-related forces, influenced by uncertainty, shape firms’ behaviour in response to climate change challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the behavioural theory of the firm (BTOF), the paper develops a conceptual model to decode the relationship between each category of market-driven impacts and the resulting RE innovation within firms. The model takes into account the role of uncertainty and differentiates between multinational enterprises (MNEs) and domestic firms.

Findings

The analysis reveals five key sources of market-driven impacts: investor sentiment, media coverage, competitors’ adoption of ISO 14001, customer satisfaction and shareholder activism. These forces influence the adoption of RE innovation differently across firms, depending on the level of uncertainty and the discrepancy between environmental performance and aspiration level.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature in four ways. Firstly, it emphasises the importance of uncertainty associated with market-driven impacts, which stimulates different responses from firms. Secondly, it fills a research gap by focusing on the proactivity of firms in adopting RE innovation, rather than just operational strategies to curb emissions. Thirdly, the paper extends the BTOF by incorporating the concept of uncertainty in explaining firm behaviour. Finally, it provides insights into the green strategies of MNEs in the face of climate change, offering a comprehensive model that differentiates MNEs from domestic firms.

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2024

Noa Willys, Wenyuan Li, Otu Larbi-Siaw and Ettien Fulgence Brou

As the backbone of the social open innovation (SOI) system, social enterprises (SEs) are the key drivers of social value creation (SVC). However, at the micro-level, research in…

Abstract

Purpose

As the backbone of the social open innovation (SOI) system, social enterprises (SEs) are the key drivers of social value creation (SVC). However, at the micro-level, research in this area is lacking, as attention is scantly paid on the comprehensive capabilities of renewable energy enterprises, their industrial heterogeneity and heterogeneous social connections, including bricolage and utility innovation. Drawing from the social resource-based view theory and institutional theory, the research investigates SOI effect on SVC, the moderating role of social ties (ST) and entrepreneurial bricolage (EB) mediation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology encompassed several key steps. Initially, a research framework was constructed based on a comprehensive literature review. Subsequently, data were collected by surveying 133 middle to senior-level managers. To assess the proposed hypotheses, a structured equation modeling analysis was conducted using a two-stage approach, which involved partial least squares and hierarchical regression techniques.

Findings

The study reveals that SOI affects SVC significantly, and SOI positively impacts EB. Furthermore, political ties strengthen the positive impact of SOI on EB. Moreover, EB positively impacts SVC. Additionally, EB mediates the relationship between SOI and SVC.

Research limitations/implications

Firstly, the measurement of variables relies on a subjective approach. Future research could employ a quantitative comprehensive index evaluation method of assessment, thereby providing additional validation for the authors' findings. Secondly, although cross-sectional data can be utilized to explore the relationships between variables, there may be inherent biases in the results. Therefore, longitudinal data collection in future research would enable the observation of the long-term effects of SOI and EB on SVC and ST. Thirdly, it would be beneficial to examine other potential factors that could contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms linking SOI to SVC.

Practical implications

First, the study underscores the significance of EB in the interplay between SOI and SVC. By embracing innovative approaches and fostering collaborations, SEs can harness EB as a powerful tool for achieving their social missions while overcoming resource constraints. Second, it is imperative for managers to foster a conducive environment for SVC within their organizations, characterized by network ties and partnerships. Simultaneously, they should proactively drive ST initiatives and remain attuned to evolving changes in external environmental laws and regulations. Third, the Malagasy government is actively advocating for social interventions and the establishment of social milieus reminiscent of corporate social responsibility.

Social implications

This study emphasizes the importance of ST and recognizes the pivotal role of EB in generating social value within an ecosystem that supports SOI. SEs can create lasting positive impacts on society (e.g. improving access to electricity) by embracing these principles and collaborating with stakeholders.

Originality/value

These findings serve to enhance the underlying theoretical context of social entrepreneurship, propose nuanced insight into the methodologies for implementing SVC within the context of renewable energy enterprises and make significant contributions to the ongoing progress of research in the domains of open innovation and social entrepreneurship.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 February 2024

Shan Liang and Hui Ming Zhang

Examine the effects of sudden environmental disasters on the advancement of both renewable and conventional energy technologies.

Abstract

Purpose

Examine the effects of sudden environmental disasters on the advancement of both renewable and conventional energy technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing panel data from 31 Chinese provinces spanning 2011 to 2022, the SEM (Spatial Error Model) dual fixed model is utilized to examine the impact of sudden environmental disasters on energy technologies.

Findings

The findings reveal that: (1) Sudden environmental disasters exert a markedly positive influence on the Innovation of Renewable Energy Technologies (IRET), while their impact on conventional energy technologies is positively non-significant. (2) Sudden environmental disasters not only significantly enhance innovation in local renewable energy technologies but also extend this positive influence to neighboring regions, demonstrating a spatial spillover phenomenon. (3) Research and Development (R&D) funding serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between sudden environmental disasters and renewable ETI. In contrast, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) exhibits a masking effect.

Originality/value

Consequently, the study advocates for intensified efforts in post-disaster reconstruction following abrupt environmental events, an elevation in the quality of foreign direct investments, and leveraging research funding to catalyze innovation in renewable energy technologies amid unforeseen environmental crises.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 January 2023

Festus Victor Bekun, Bright Akwasi Gyamfi, Mfonobong Udom Etokakpan and Burçin Çakir

This purpose of this study is to explore the impact of global trend of economic integration and interconnectedness which has drawn the attention of world economies and their…

Abstract

Purpose

This purpose of this study is to explore the impact of global trend of economic integration and interconnectedness which has drawn the attention of world economies and their implications on trade inflow. This trajectory has its impact, either positive/negative, on key macroeconomic indicators, to say the least on environmental sustainability, especially emerging economies. To this end, the need to explore the connection between foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow and energy consumption amidst the wave of economic globalisation is timely and pertinent for the case of Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

This study seeks to explore the interaction between the outlined variables in a carbon-income framework for annual time series data from 1970 to 2016. A series of econometrics strategies was used consisting of unit root tests to examine the stationarity properties of the highlighted series. Subsequently, Pesaran’s Bounds testing technique is used to explore the long-run equilibrium relationship between the highlighted variables in conjunction with the Johansen cointegration test. For long-run regression coefficients, Pesaran’s autoregressive distributed lag and dynamic ordinary least squares methodology are used, and innovative accounting approaches are used to explore the responsiveness of each variable on another.

Findings

Empirical results validate the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH) in the long run for the case of Turkey. Thus suggesting that FDI inflow induced environmental degradation in Turkey. Additionally, this study observed that renewable energy, on the contrary, improves the quality of the environment. This study also affirms the presence of the environmental Kuznets curve phenomenon, indicating that Turkey, at its early stage of economic trajectory, emphasis is on economic growth rather than environmental quality. This suggests a need for more deliberate action(s) by the government administrators to pursue cleaner FDI inflow and energy technologies and strategies to foster a clean environment in Turkey and a cleaner ecosystem at large.

Originality/value

This study is unique in its choice of variables which is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda to be achieved by 2030 and is very limited in the extant literature. From the economic perspective, the effect of the PHH is of interest especially to ascertain the extent the interplay among the variables has on the economy of Turkey. The empirical insights on PHH hypothesis have received less documentation in the extant literature especially for emerging economy like Turkey. Thus, this study seeks to revisit this theme for Turkey with aim to presents environmentally sustainable strategies without compromise for economic growth. Thus, this study seeks to revisit this theme.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 February 2024

Olga Garanina, Daria Klishevich and Andrei Panibratov

This study aims to explore when and under what conditions state-owned enterprises (SOEs) become important players in orchestrating the global climate action and what their roles…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore when and under what conditions state-owned enterprises (SOEs) become important players in orchestrating the global climate action and what their roles are as domestic or international (de)carbonizers.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that aims to advance understanding of the role of SOEs in addressing the global climate challenge. The authors build on the institutional theory to capture the importance of home-country climate regulation mechanisms and advance knowledge on the internationalization of SOEs. The authors review the literature on the institutional boundaries that shape the environmental activities of firms at home and abroad and develop the argument on the influence of home country institutions and internationalization on the role of SOEs in the global climate agenda.

Findings

In this study, the authors elaborate the SOEs’ climate action matrix and offer three propositions based on the fact that SOEs’ environmental strategies are driven by the interests of the state as owner and the scope of SOEs’ internationalization. First, the authors propose that the level of home country’s climate policy ambition explains SOEs’ stance on climate action. Second, scope of internationalization explains SOEs’ stance on climate action. Third, the progressive/increasing involvement of SOEs in climate action enhances the country’s climate stance.

Originality/value

The authors incorporate the climate argument into international business (IB) studies of SOEs’ internationalization, a novel approach that helps us to advance the knowledge on the complex issue of corporate climate action. The authors argue for a dynamic and reciprocal relationship between home/host countries and SOEs’ climate engagement. In doing this, the authors contribute to the IB research and policy agenda by exploring SOEs’ engagement in advancing the global climate agenda.

Details

Critical Perspectives on International Business, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-2043

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2023

Olaniyi Evans

This study aims to investigate the effect of oil prices, economic growth and information communication technology (ICT) on investment into renewable energy transition (RET).

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of oil prices, economic growth and information communication technology (ICT) on investment into renewable energy transition (RET).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on six selected African countries (i.e. Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Ethiopia, South Africa and Nigeria), the study uses a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model over the period from 1995 to 2020.

Findings

The results show that increasing oil prices, by substitution effect, leads to increasing RET investment, while declining oil prices lead to decreasing RET investment in the short and long run. Furthermore, the results reveal that increasing real gross domestic product leads to increased RET investment, while declining real gross domestic product (GDP) leads to decreasing RET investment both in the short and long run. Simultaneously, the study shows that increasing ICT has a significant and positive impact on RET investment, while declining ICT has a significant negative impact on RET investment in the short and long run.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have advanced the understanding of which factors significantly influence RET investment and the need to concentrate efforts on strategically addressing those factors. The findings indicate that these countries are at the progressive stage in terms of renewable energy; though increasing oil prices contribute to rising RET investment, the countries can be more proactive by improving the full potential of ICT as well as facilitating the growth of their economies.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 January 2024

James Temitope Dada, Folorunsho M. Ajide and Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh Al-Faryan

Driven by the Sustainable Development Goals (goals 7, 8, 12 and 13), this study investigates the moderating role of financial development in the link between energy poverty and a…

Abstract

Purpose

Driven by the Sustainable Development Goals (goals 7, 8, 12 and 13), this study investigates the moderating role of financial development in the link between energy poverty and a sustainable environment in African nations.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel cointegration analysis, fully modified least squares, Driscoll and Kraay least squares and method of moments quantile regression were used as estimation techniques to examine the link between financial development, energy poverty and sustainable environment for 28 African nations. Energy poverty is measured using two proxies-access to clean energy and access to electricity, while the environment is gauged using ecological footprint.

Findings

The regression outcomes show that access to clean energy and electricity negatively impacts the ecological footprint across all the quantiles; hence, energy poverty increases environmental degradation. Financial development positively influences environmental degradation in the region at the upper quantiles. Similarly, the interactive term of energy poverty and financial development has a significant positive impact on ecological footprint; thus, the financial sector adds to energy poverty and environmental degradation. The results of other variables hint that per capita income and institutions worsen environmental quality while urbanisation strengthens the environment.

Originality/value

This study offers fresh insights into the moderating effect of financial development in the link between energy poverty and sustainable environment in African countries.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

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