Unravelling the role of financial development in shaping renewable energy consumption patterns: Insights from BRICS countries

In line with the pursuit of clean and affordable energy, our study contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs-7 and -13) and the global fight against climate change by offering evidence-based insights. We conducted a panel analysis of BRICS (Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China, and South Africa) economies to investigate the relationship between financial development and renewable energy utilization. Our empirical findings highlight a positive statistical association between economic growth and renewable energy consumption, indicating that higher economic growth correlates with increased renewable energy adoption. Similarly, significant positive relationships are observed between the consumer price index and domestic credit with renewable energy consumption. Moreover, our study also uncovers a counterintuitive relationship between foreign direct investment and renewable energy consumption. These results provide valuable insights into the determinants of renewable energy consumption in BRICS countries. From a policy perspective, we advocate for robust strategies to promote the adoption and utilization of renewable energy sources alongside the implementation of policies encouraging the uptake of clean technologies. Such measures can spur economic growth and contribute to achieving low-carbon targets and sustainability goals within the BRICS economies. Practical steps, including incentives like feed-in tariffs and subsidies, can further enhance the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy adoption in the investigated bloc.