Transformation of natural resource use: Moving towards sustainability through ICT-based improvements in green total factor energy efficiency

With the accelerating pace of information and communication technology (ICT) and industrial integration, various emerging formats have emerged one after another, which not only continuously inject new vitality into the national economy but also bring new opportunities for the improvement of the green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE). This paper uses a fixed effect model, quantile panel regression model, regional heterogeneity panel regression model, and mediating effect model based on System GMM to test the effect of ICT on GTFEE. The findings show that: first, the benchmark regression reveals that ICT will promote GTFEE; second, the quantile regression results show that there is a good correlation between ICT and GTFEE, and the regression coefficient of ICT increases with the increase of the quantile of GTFEE; third, the regional heterogeneity regression results show that the positive effect of ICT on GTFEE decreases from the eastern area to the western area, and the eastern and central areas are significantly positive, the western area is extremely negative; fourth, the mediating effect regression results show that energy structure (ETR) and research and development investment intensity (RD) have positive transfer effect on the relationship between ICT and GTFEE. This paper contributes relevant reference evidence in ICT and GTFEE to accelerate China's green economic transformation and realize sustainable development. •The green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE) of 30 provinces in China are estimated.•The influence of the ICT on GTFEE is investigated.•ICT can significantly contribute to GTFEE.•There is significant regional heterogeneity in the influence of ICT on GTFEE.•Energy structure and R&D investment intensity play an important role in ICT influencing GTFEE.