The role of rare earth prices in renewable energy consumption: The actual driver for a renewable energy world

This study examines, for the first time in the energy issues literature, the long-run relationship between rare earth prices and the consumption of energy from renewables. The study applies standard time series econometric methodologies and monthly data in relevance to regional and income classification groups of countries, spanning the period 2004–2016. The empirical findings indicate the presence of a long-run relationship between these variables, but for certain rare earths and regions. The findings survive a multivariate robustness test, while they are expected to be of substantial importance for the world community, given that a few countries have control of those materials. The importance is lying on the need to establish a global green energy environment. •The study examines the link between rare earth prices and renewable energy consumption.•It applies cointegration methodologies and monthly data, spanning the period 2004–2016.•The results show the presence of a long-run relationship between them.•They survive a multivariate robustness test.•They should be of substantial importance given that a few countries control them.