Spatial effects of green finance development in Chinese provinces under the context of high-quality energy development

This study integrates the current context of energy transition and China’s dual carbon goals. Utilizing data from 2011 to 2021, we establish an indicator system for high-quality development in green finance and energy. Through methods such as social network analysis and spatial spillover models, we analyze the temporal evolution of green finance levels, the dynamics of spatial network structures, and assess the spillover effects of green finance on high-quality energy development. The findings reveal: (1) Green finance development in China demonstrates a fluctuating increasing trend, with a distinct stepwise decreasing distribution from south to north by 2021. (2) The overall green finance network in China exhibits strong connectivity, with core provinces influencing peripheral ones. (3) Green finance development in China generates a significant positive spatial spillover effect on high-quality energy development. These results provide valuable insights for shaping green finance policies and advancing high-quality energy development.