Exploring the impact of clean energy interconnections on sustainable economic growth in China

The active development of clean energy and the promotion of the clean energy transition are important measures for addressing the energy crisis. China has proposed building a global energy internet (EI) to achieve sustainable economic development. This study explores the effect of the EI on green development efficiency (GDE) in China. The results demonstrate that EI significantly enhances GDE. The effectiveness of the EI in enhancing GDE is more pronounced in regions with higher GDE levels. The contribution of the EI to GDE enhancement is more substantial in the southern and northern channels than in the central channel. This effect is particularly significant in power-importing regions. The EI facilitates the upgrading of both the energy consumption and industrial structures, thereby driving GDE. This study provides valuable insights for addressing global clean energy supply challenges and facilitating regional green transitions.