3G in China: How green economic growth and green finance promote green energy?

In recent decades, the role of green energy in realizing green transition and addressing environmental degradation needs to be brought into full play. To promote green energy development in China, this paper examines the relationship among green economic growth, green finance, and green energy (3G) between 2011 and 2019. The heterogeneous, asymmetric, and mediation impact relationship that exists in the 3G nexus is also explored in this study. Accordingly, the results suggest that: (1) Green economic growth and green finance are positively associated with green energy, and the impact is heterogeneous on different types of green energy and in different regions; (2) the impact of green economic growth on green energy are asymmetric, while that of green finance is consistent; and (3) green innovative technology is an effective mediator between green economic growth and green energy, while the investment effect is not significant. This paper contributes to formulating several reasonable policies for improving the green energy industry and achieving sustainable development. It is essential to give full play to the transformation of green achievements to enhance the role of green economic growth in promoting the green energy industry. • This study explores 3G nexus (green economic growth, finance, and energy (GRE)) in China. • The heterogeneity, asymmetry, and mediating mechanism are further analyzed. • Green economic growth and green finance can significantly promote GRE. • The impacts of green economic growth and green finance on GRE are heterogeneous. • Green technological innovation is an effective mediator in the 3G nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]