The Role of Productive Capacity in Renewable Electricity Generation: A Dynamic Panel Threshold Model

Authors
Mahboubeh Jafari
Fatemeh Rashidi
دهقان شبانی Dehghan Shabani
Shiraz University
Abstract




Promoting electricity generation from renewable energy sources has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable development strategies worldwide to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and address the pressing challenges of climate change. This study aims to investigate the nonlinear relationship between the Productive Capacity Index (PCI) and renewable electricity generation across a sample of selected developing countries during the period 2000–2022. To this end, the dynamic panel threshold model proposed by Kremer et al. (2013) is utilized, as it enables the analysis of nonlinear interactions among variables in panel data while addressing potential endogeneity. Our findings reveal a non-linear relationship between PCI and renewable electricity generation. Importantly, the influence of PCI on the share of electricity generated from renewable sources intensifies beyond a specific threshold value. This implies that as PCI levels increase, their impact on clean energy production becomes more significant, emphasizing the importance of advancing productive capacities to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. Furthermore, the results underscore the critical role of several key factors in enhancing renewable electricity generation. Rising geopolitical risks, improved financial development, greater trade openness, and an increased share of gross fixed capital formation in GDP are identified as pivotal drivers that positively contribute to the expansion of renewable electricity generation. Conversely, weak environmental policies can significantly hinder this progress. Furthermore, the Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) panel causality test confirms the existence of a bidirectional causal relationship between the share of renewable electricity generation and the other explanatory variables. This study highlights the critical need to build and strengthen productive capacity to support the growth of renewable energy. The findings provide a valuable foundation for informed decision-making by policymakers and planners in developing nations.
Keywords
renewable energy
Electricity Generation
Productive Capacity
Dynamic Panel Threshold Model
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