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To cope with global climate risks, promoting energy transformation has become a global consensus. China issued a reform policy in 2010 to promote the convergence of the three major information industries, namely broadcasting and television networks, telecommunications networks and the Internet (TPR policy). However, is the convergence of information industries able to promote energy transition? This study constructs a quasi-natural experimental framework using China's TPR policy as a representative case of industrial convergence. Using city-level panel data between 2003 and 2016 in China and a multi-period difference-in-differences model, this study examines the impact of TPR policy on energy transition. The results show that TPR policy positively contributes to energy transition at a 1% significance level. Extensive robustness tests support this finding. This positive effect is particularly evident in regions with less developed communications infrastructure and stricter environmental regulations. Mechanism analysis suggests that TPR policy promotes energy transition by improving the level of information networks, promoting technological innovation, and optimizing industrial structure. The findings of this paper emphasize the importance of information industry convergence in facilitating energy transformation. • This paper examines the impact of TPR on energy transition by using a DID model. • TPR promotes energy transition at a 1% significance level. • TPR's effect shows heterogeneity in the level of communication and regulations. • Information level, innovation and industrial upgrading play a key role in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green innovation is important and beneficial for the green development of enterprises. The development of digital technology could improve the asymmetry of information and affect the enterprise's financing modes. Currently, a definitive conclusion about the relationship between the digital transformation and green technology innovation has not reached. Additionally, studies have not yet fully explored the impact pathways of corporate digital transformation on green innovation through corporate financing modes. To fill this void, this study collected data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2020. The empirical analysis results showed that digital transformation significantly enhanced enterprises' green innovation abilities. Furthermore, mediating models were utilized to explore how enterprise financing modes mediate the impact of digital transformation on the enterprise green innovation. Results indicated that through internal financing and bank loans as "bridges", digital transformation promoted enterprise green innovation. However, digital transformation did not have a significant impact on enterprise green innovation through venture capital. Moreover, heterogeneity analyses revealed significant differences among different groups of enterprises. This study expands the research field related to digital transformation and enterprise green innovation by providing empirical evidence to uncover the impact of digital transformation on enterprise green innovation. Findings of this study contribute not only to enterprise managerial decision-makers to better leverage digital transformation through corporate financing to accelerate green innovation, but also to government policymakers to design policies to stimulate enterprise green innovation. • Firstly, our paper empirically examines and validates the impact of digital transformation on enterprise green innovation again by using empirical data of biggest development counties, i.e., China. • Secondly, our paper combines enterprise digital transformation, financing modes, and green innovation within the same framework to study the "bridge" role of financing modes between digital transformation and enterprise green innovation. • Thirdly, Thirdly, heterogeneity analyses were carried out, the results of the different enterprises groups are significant different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have gained widespread recognition for their exceptional thermal stability, remarkable cycling performance, non-toxic attributes, and cost-effectiveness. However, the increased adoption of LFP batteries has led to a surge in spent LFP battery disposal. Improper handling of waste LFP batteries could result in adverse consequences, including environmental degradation and the mismanagement of valuable secondary resources. This paper presents a comprehensive examination of waste LFP battery treatment methods, encompassing a holistic analysis of their recycling impact across five dimensions: resources, energy, environment, economy, and society. The recycling of waste LFP batteries is not only crucial for reducing the environmental pollution caused by hazardous components but also enables the valuable components to be efficiently recycled, promoting resource utilization. This, in turn, benefits the sustainable development of the energy industry, contributes to economic gains, stimulates social development, and enhances employment rates. Therefore, the recycling of discarded LFP batteries is both essential and inevitable. In addition, the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including governments, corporations, and communities, in the realm of waste LFP battery recycling are also scrutinized, underscoring their pivotal engagement and collaboration. Notably, this paper concentrates on surveying the current research status and technological advancements within the waste LFP battery lifecycle, and juxtaposes their respective merits and drawbacks, thus furnishing a comprehensive evaluation and foresight for future progress. [Display omitted] • Thoroughly covers recycling methods, analyze pros/cons and feasibility through mechanism. • Assesses current 10 problems in LFP recycling and proposes solutions. • Tai Chi model delineates the impact on resources, energy, environment, economy, and society. • Triangle Rule defines roles and responsibilities of various groups in LFP recycling. • Integrate technical and non-technical aspects, summarize status and prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper examines the implications of energy imports on green innovation within the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. It utilizes panel data spanning EU countries from 1999 to 2022. Initially, the study explores the influence of natural gas and oil imports on the advancement of green innovation. Specifically, it reveals that the importation of natural gas facilitates progress in this area, whereas the importation of oil can impede such advancement. Following the Russia-Ukraine war, the role of gas imports in fostering green innovation within EU countries has grown, simultaneously exacerbating the adverse effects of oil imports on green innovation. Secondly, by employing a panel threshold model, the study identifies that higher energy prices make natural gas and oil imports unfavorable for the progress of green innovation in EU nations. Thirdly, an analysis of heterogeneity demonstrates that, as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war, natural gas imports have a more significant detrimental effect on the development of green innovation in EU nations with a natural gas dependency ranging from 10% to 90%. In the case of oil imports, EU nations with a dependence on Russian oil exceeding 50% experience a more pronounced negative impact on the development of green innovation. Fourthly, a mechanistic study elucidates that natural gas imports indirectly stimulate green innovation through the mechanism of energy transition, while oil imports hinder the development of green innovation by exacerbating carbon emissions. The empirical findings of this paper carry substantial policy implications for EU nations, urging the acceleration of energy transition in response to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on green innovation. Moreover, these findings have broader implications for global environmental management and the collective endeavor to combat climate change. • Natural gas imports can promote green innovation; Oil imports inhibit green innovation; The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War reinforced both effects. • Rising energy prices make gas and oil imports a disincentive for green innovation in EU countries. • Natural gas imports indirectly promote green innovation through the energy transition, while oil imports inhibit green innovation by increasing carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the formation of the green lifestyle (GL) is a crucial step in achieving comprehensive green transformation of urban economic and social development. The widespread adoption of GL is influenced by various environmental regulations. Previous research mainly focused on the impact of individual policies on GL from the single policy perspective. The mechanisms of the combined effects of policies have not been thoroughly explored, particularly the contributions of each policy during periods of overlap. This paper takes the dual-policy of the New-type Urbanization Policy (NUP) and Smart City Policy (SCP) in China as an example. It employs panel data collected from 271 cities in China during 2007–2019 and establishes a multi-period difference-in-difference model to identify the combined effects of the dual-policy on residents' GL. Additionally, the Shapley value decomposition method is utilized to identify the contribution magnitude of each policy when they act simultaneously. The following conclusions are yielded. Firstly, the combined effects of dual-policy are more effective than a single policy in influencing residents' GL. Secondly, the Shapley value decomposition method reveals that when both policies are simultaneously implemented, SCP contributes a greater weight compared to NUP. Thirdly, the dual-policy can promote residents' adoption of GL through mechanisms such as green technological innovation, public participation in environmental protection, and the agglomeration of tertiary industries. Fourthly, the impact of dual-policy on residents' GL varies across different types and sizes of cities. This study attempts to unseal the "black box" of how the dual-policy influences residents' GL during the green transformation of cities in China, providing theoretical references for relevant urban policies in other countries and contributing to Chinese solutions and experience to global urban green development. • The dual-policy of NUP and SCP can jointly promote residents' green lifestyle. • The weight of SCP's contribution is higher than NUP's by the Shapely value method. • It explored three potential channels between the dual-policy and GL. • There are heterogeneous effects of dual-policy on GL in different types of cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With digital technological change and the increasing frequency of interregional innovation links, the spatial correlation and diversity of strategic emerging industries' green innovation efficiency (SEI-GIE) need to be explored in depth. This paper innovatively constructs the SEI-GIE input-output index system under digital economy. The proposed grey model FINGBM(1,1) with ω -order accumulation and weighted initial value optimization realizes effective prediction of 7 input-output indicators of 30 provinces in China from 2021 to 2025. Super-SBM-DEA, gravity model, and social network analysis are applied to explore spatial network structure's dynamic process of SEI-GIE from 12th to 14th Five-Year-Plan period (2011–2025). Empirical results show that (1) Under the effect of digital economy, the SEI-GIE in China generally shows a U-shaped fluctuation trend, in which the growth trend in the central region is obvious, and the western region shows significant fluctuations. (2) The spatial correlation network of SEI-GIE presents a complex and stable center-periphery circle. Particularly, the overall increase in network efficiency highlights the strong small-world characteristics. (3) Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu have always been in the leading core position, with strong influence and control; And Tianjin's core position in the network will decline. Additionally, Guangxi and Chongqing have great potential, but Guangdong needs to strengthen its radiation effect. (4) Block model shows that plate-I (Beijing, Tianjin) receive spatial spillovers from others, while plates-III,IV have significant spillover effects. This study provides theoretical reference for policymakers from a network perspective to promote development of China's SEI-GIE. • SEI-GIE input-output index under digital economy is innovatively constructed. • Indicators of China's 30 provinces are effective predicted by novel FINGBM(1,1). • Spatial correlation network dynamic process of SEI-GIE is explored from 2011 to 2025. • Complex center-periphery circles are presented in spatial network of SEI-GIE. • Theoretical reference for policymakers from a network perspective is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's double carbon target aims to improve human well-being and sustainable development. Energy transformation welfare performance (ETWP) is the efficiency of energy transition (ET) in enhancing human well-being. ETWP considers both human well-being and sustainable development. Research on its driving force is helpful in achieving the double carbon goal. Thus, this paper used Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index Model, Fixed Panel Regression Model and Grey Relational Analysis Model to analyze China's ETWP from 2006 to 2022 and predicted ETWP of 31 provinces from 2023 to 2030. The results showed that: (1) ETWP had two rising periods in 2006–2014 and 2015–2022. (2) The government's rationalization policy on energy and environment and technological innovation ability were fundamental driving forces for improving ETWP. (3) There were obvious spatial and temporal distinctions in ETWP, and it would bring out different degrees in most areas. Thus, ET should be promoted by improving the ecological environment and resource utilization efficiency; The importance of the role of scientific and technological innovation and policies should be focused on in promoting ETWP; ET policies based on local developments should be formulated and the energy structure should be changed. Figure Geographical map of ETWP from 2014 to 2022. [Display omitted] • The concept of energy transition welfare performance was defined and accounted for. • The driving factors of energy transition welfare performance were assessed. • The spatial differences of energy transition welfare performance was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional manufacturing industry is in the early stages of transition to low-carbon innovative production, and is in urgent need of a low-carbon innovation system to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. In order to realize the effective supervision of enterprise carbon emissions, this paper constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model among the corporate, government and public from the perspective of dynamic subsidies and taxes. The main results are as follows. First, the increase in government subsidies to a certain extent will help encourage companies to choose low-carbon innovative production strategies, but more subsidies are not always better. Excessive subsidies will increase the cost of government regulation and reduce the probability of government regulation. Second, the tripartite evolutionary game system does not converge under the static subsidies and taxes mechanism. But the system could quickly converges to the stable condition under dynamic subsidies and taxes. The stable point is the situation of corporate low-carbon innovation, government regulation, and public supervision. Third, the public intervention and supervision can effectively prevent the phenomenon of government misconduct and enterprises over-emission production. And the influence of public reward and punishment is more effective for the government than for enterprises. • A tripartite evolutionary game of low-carbon innovation system among enterprises, government and the public. • Dynamic subsidy and tax mechanisms drive the model to converge to the ideal state. • Increased government subsidies will promote low-carbon innovation, but it isn't the more the better. • The same degree of public supervision is more effective for governments than for enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As digital economy develops, its impact on green innovation and energy efficiency has become the focus of current research. To explore the impact of the current development of the digital economy on the energy industry, this paper selects the parameter of green innovation resilience, analyzes the impact mechanism of green innovation resilience on energy efficiency under the shock of digital economic development, and uses relevant data from 284 cities in China from 2011 to 2019 for empirical testing. It is found that: green innovation resilience promotes energy efficiency; low level of green innovation resilience inhibits the improvement of energy efficiency, while high level of resilience promotes energy efficiency; the initial stage of digital economic development generates resource grabbing and the effect of technological constraints, which weakens the role of green innovation resilience in promoting energy efficiency. The results indicate that the resilience of the green innovation system should be strengthened in order to fully tap the potential for promoting energy efficiency; the policy orientation of "digital greening—energy efficient" should be pursued in the development of digital economy; the rational allocation of resources and the implementation of green standards should be strengthened in the process of digital economic development; and the constraints on energy efficiency improvement in the early stage of digital economic development should be broken through by accelerating the digitalization process. • Green innovation resilience can promote energy efficiency. • Early digital economy development can lead to resource grabbing and technology constraints effects. • Pursuing the policy orientation of "digital greening—energy efficient". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a non-traditional security crisis affecting the global economy and diplomatic progress. In order to curtail carbon emissions and alleviate the perils of climate change at their roots, urban green innovation (UGI) has emerged as a pivotal technological solution. Using the expansion of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration in China as a case study, this paper develops a quasi-experimental model to analyze the effects of regional integration policies on UGI. The main findings are: (1) Regional integration policies significantly enhance UGI and their impact is more pronounced with the expansion of urban agglomerations; (2) Regional integration policies contribute to the advancement of exploitative green innovation while tending to diminish exploratory green innovation; (3) The green innovation effects (GIEs) created by the expansion of regional integration policies are largely influenced by governmental mechanisms on environmental governance as well as residents' green preferences. Based on these findings, recommendations are put forward to promote UGI from the perspective of policy implementation. • The quasi-experimental models of urban agglomeration expansion on green innovation are constructed. • The positive effects of urban agglomeration expansion on green innovation are proven. • Urban agglomeration expansion can enhance exploitative green innovation and also reduce exploratory green innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid developments in environmental infrastructure have contributed to significant improvements in green total factor productivity, but further investigation is required to provide a detailed assessment to understand the policy mechanisms involved. This paper analyzes environmental progress in China through MMQR, CCEMG, and AMG as empirical strategies for 30 provinces in China. Our empirical results reveal that energy optimization through renewable energy is the most effective channel to improve green total factor productivity, though it is not the only available option. Since environmental regulations, infrastructure development, and green technology innovation also directly impact energy efficiency, adopting these within policy channels will positively impact environmental sustainability. Our empirical approach helps suggest novel environmental policy suggestions. In particular, policymakers must introduce structural changes within energy developments to foster renewable energy. Furthermore, China must increase environmental spending to upgrade its energy infrastructure further and solve ecological issues. These insights offer valuable policy guidance for decision-makers in China and globally, aiming to foster economic and environmental sustainability and achieve zero-carbon transition goals. • The current study analyses the role of green factor productivity in zero carbon transition. • We use 30 chinese provincial datasets from 2005 to 2020. • Energy transition is the most effective channel to improve green total factor productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green innovation (GI) is increasingly recognised as an effective strategy for tackling climate change, mitigating environmental issues, and promoting sustainable development. Using panel data of the Chinese listed firms from 2007 to 2019, this study adopts the difference-in-differences approach to assess the impact of the green finance policy (GFP) initiated by the Chinese government in 2012 on the green innovation performance of firms. The findings reveal that the GFP significantly boosts the green innovation performance of heavily polluting enterprises (HPEs). Notably, this effect is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises and firms with high dependence on external finance. Compared with penalty-based regulations, incentive-based and voluntary environmental regulations demonstrate more significant moderating effects on the relationship between the GFP and green innovation performance for HPEs. We also identify improved efficiency in the usage of green investments as a potential mechanism through which the GFP enhances the green innovation performance of HPEs. Further comparative analysis shows that green enterprises can achieve simultaneous improvement in both the quality and quantity of green innovation, whereas HPEs predominantly exhibit enhancements in innovation quantity. To maximise the GFP's positive effects, it is recommended to facilitate more targeted bank lending towards HPEs to support their structural transformation. Additionally, the coordinated deployment of diverse environmental policy instruments is advised to exploit their synergistic effects. • This paper confirms the positive relationship between Green Finance Policy (GFP) and the green innovation. • We develop a novel machine learning approach to enhance the accuracy of variable measurements. • Firms with different ownership structure and external finance reliance are impacted differently by the GFP. • Both incentive-based and voluntary environmental regulations have positive moderation effects. • GFP can improve the green innovation by enhancing the green investment efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]