Are environmental regulations and green technology innovations catalysts for renewable energy sustainability in Chinese provinces?

Environmental regulations and green technology innovation are crucial to cleaner energy sustainability, according to researchers and policymakers. This research examines how green technology innovation and environmental regulations affect cleaner energy development in China, the world's greatest carbon emitter. To empirically validate the relationship between these factors, we employ the benchmark, threshold, and mediation effect method using a panel dataset encompassing 31 Chinese provinces from 2008 to 2020. Empirical evidence demonstrates the divergent impacts of green technological advancements and environmental regulations on the pursuit of sustainable development. This study proves that Chinese environmental regulations reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy. China's emissions mitigation is greatly aided by green technological innovation. Marketization improves renewable energy efficiency and conservation. Therefore, policymakers should assertively promote green technology innovation, make environment-related patents more accessible, and reduce registration costs. In addition, it facilitates increased commercialization, expands the technology market, and advances renewable energy.