International Journal of the Energy-Growth Nexus (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Consumers' intentions to buy premium fuel: empirical evidence from an emerging market  
  by Saad Benbachir, Sara Dassouli, Harit Satt, Assya Chraibi 
  Abstract: This study is an exploration of the premium gas-oil market in Morocco. The objective of this article is to understand the consumers' likely behaviour based on their respective value assessment given to 'premium' gasoline compared to the basic one. We aim to examine the effect of personal factors along with brand-customer relationship on the perceived value they attribute to premium fuel; and how this premium value will in its turn affect their willingness and purchase intention. The hypotheses' testing and analysis were conducted using structural equation modelling and data was collected based on a survey of 280 vehicle owners who live in different cities in Morocco. Our results highlight the importance of brand-customer relationship and personal characteristics in positively shaping the different set of premium fuel's values in consumers' mind. Also, financial, social and functional values were determinants factors of customers' willingness to pay higher prices for premium fuel.
  Keywords: premium fuel; premium value; customer relationship; personal characteristics; purchase intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEGN.2024.10067580
   
  
• Navigating banking sector concentration and institutional quality for sustainable energy development: insights from Belt and Road Initiative countries  
  by Syeda Tayyaba Ijaz, Ahmed Hassan Jamal 
  Abstract: This study analyses banking concentration, institutional quality, and energy sustainability in the BRI countries from 2000 to 2023. The empirical evidence indicates that high banking sector concentration has a negative effect on energy sustainability while high institutional quality has multiplier effect on energy sustainability. In addition, institutional quality was found to influence the ability to reduce the negative impacts of banking concentration on energy sustainability significantly. The study underscores that there is the need to link financial diversification and corporate governance to enhance sustainable energy. Hence, the results of this study offer relevant information for policy formulation for sustainable energy and economic development using sound institutions for related countries' financial institutions. Also, the study establishes the positive externality of robust institutions in achieving sustainable energy goals thus leading to minimum environmental problems as well as supporting steady economic growth.
  Keywords: banking sector concentration; energy sustainability; institutional quality; Belt and Road Initiative; BRI; financial diversification; environmental impact.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEGN.2024.10067768
   
  
• The impact of natural resources on economic growth - the case of Latin American countries  
  by Argiro Moudatsou, Badiea Shaukat, Georgios Xanthos 
  Abstract: This paper examines the impact of natural resources on economic growth in Latin America, distinguishing between resource dependence and resource abundance. Using panel data from 23 countries over the period 2000-2020 and applying a fixed effects model, we analyse the relationship between natural resource rents and GDP growth. The findings show that mineral exports are the most prominent, followed by oil and gas. While total resource rents have a positive effect on GDP, the disaggregated results reveal important differences: mineral and gas rents support growth, whereas oil rents have a negative impact - even after accounting for price fluctuations. This indicates that oil price volatility contributes to economic instability. When gas prices are controlled for, the positive effect of gas rents also weakens, underlining the role of price-related volatility. Moreover, greater trade openness is associated with lower growth, reflecting the region's vulnerability to external shocks. As Latin American economies remain heavily dependent on commodity exports, they continue to face challenges in achieving long-term stability. This study offers a nuanced perspective on resource-driven growth and the economic sustainability of resource-rich nations.
  Keywords: natural resource rents; economic growth; resource abundance; resource dependence; Latin America.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEGN.2025.10072042
   
  
• Exploring sustainable development in Africa: balancing economic growth, employment, inflation, and emissions  
  by Paul Adjei Kwakwa 
  Abstract: Africa faces many economic problems including high inflation, high unemployment, and low gross domestic product, all alongside increased carbon emissions. The study examines the impact of economic growth, unemployment, and inflation on carbon emissions across 32 African countries, using panel data from 2002 to 2022. The fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) methods show that economic growth will eventually reduce carbon emissions, confirming the EKC hypothesis. Additionally, unemployment is found to increase carbon emissions, while the effect of inflation is sensitive to the estimation technique used. Quantile regression analysis reveals a negative relationship between inflation and carbon emissions and a positive relationship between unemployment and emissions. The findings further suggest that the magnitude of the impact of these economic variables varies across different segments. To effectively combat rising carbon emissions, a long-term strategy to address unemployment in Africa is essential.
  Keywords: CO₂ emissions; climate change; unemployment; EKC hypothesis; inflation; economic growth; renewable energy; sustainable development; Africa.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEGN.2025.10073284
   
  
• Green energy and growth: a fresh look at how renewable power affects India's economy and carbon emissions  
  by Nikhil Bhardwaj, Spriha Sharma 
  Abstract: This study examines the dynamic relationship among renewable energy consumption, carbon emissions and economic growth in India using annual data from 2000 to 2023. This paper applies the ARDL model to test both long run and short run relationships among these variables. The results show that renewable energy has a strong and positive effect on GDP while carbon emissions reduce it. Installed renewable capacity also supports growth but to a smaller extent. The model confirms that the Indian economy adjusts quickly when there is an imbalance between clean energy use and environmental pressure. The findings align with recent studies and highlight the need for stronger policy focus on green growth. The paper also compares global examples and offers real life strategies that can help India reach its economic and environmental goals at the same time. This study fills a major gap in the energy-growth-emission literature for emerging economies like India.
  Keywords: renewable energy; carbon emissions; economic growth; ARDL model; India; clean energy transition; green GDP.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEGN.2025.10073230