Investigating the Impact of Environmental Policy Stringency on Renewable Energy Consumption

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of stringent environmental regulations on the adoption and expansion of renewable energy across twelve Asian countries over the period 2012 to 2021. The primary objective is to assess whether stronger regulatory frameworks contribute to a transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The empirical findings reveal a significant and positive relationship between environmental laws and renewable energy utilization, indicating that stricter regulations encourage investments in green technologies and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. These results suggest that well-designed environmental policies can serve as effective instruments for promoting sustainable energy transitions in developing and emerging Asian economies. Furthermore, the findings are consistent with prior empirical and theoretical research, reinforcing the argument that regulatory pressure plays a crucial role in accelerating renewable energy adoption. Overall, the study highlights the importance of policy-driven approaches in achieving long-term environmental sustainability and energy security in the Asian region.