Integrated Framework for Energy Transition Success in Emerging Economies

Abstract

The transition to sustainable energy systems is critical for addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and growing energy demands, particularly in rapidly developing nations like Pakistan, India, and China. This study aims to explore the multidimensional factors influencing Energy Transition Success (ETS) by examining Renewable Energy Adoption (REA), Energy Efficiency (EE), Economic Growth (EG), Climate Change Mitigation Policies (CCMP), Urbanization and Population Growth (UPG), Government Spending on Energy Infrastructure (GSEI), and Technological Innovations (TI). The study used a mixed methodology, incorporating panel data regression analysis from 450 observations from 2000 to 2022 with some case studies from these countries. Quantitative results indicate TI as the most impactful driver (coefficient: 0.495, p < 0.001), the model had an overall robust model R-squared of 0.791 and the estimates of the axes were ordered as follows: CCMP, 0.482; REA, 0.432. Qualitative insights augment the relevance of technological and policy enhancements for example, IoT enabled grid and rural electrification projects. Originality is found in offering a multidimensional framework linking socio economic, technological, and environmental variables and filling a critical gap in current literature. The findings from this study motivate the adoption of integrated strategies for ETS and provide actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The synthesis of quantitative and qualitative approaches to the novelty of energy transitions in developing economies builds upon prior work. How can urbanization have long-term impacts, how can energy be accessed and how can shareholders make the transition across countries all incorporate sustainable energy transitions?