A comparative analysis of nuclear energy consumption and CO2 emissions nexus: empirical evidence from the global economy and income groups

This study explores the dynamic links of clean energy sources with CO 2 emissions for a global panel of countries using static and dynamic heterogeneous panel techniques over the period 1990–2014. We employ the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), Stock and Watson dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), mean group (MG), augmented mean group (AMG), common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG), and dynamic common correlated effects mean group (DCCEMG) techniques to estimate the co-integration coefficients of the panels and heterogeneous income groups of countries, respectively. The results suggest that the deployment of nuclear energy mitigates CO 2 emissions at the global level and across heterogeneous income groups. Moreover, renewable energy and energy efficiency support decarbonization across all income groups. However, economic growth and urbanization escalate carbon emissions. This study suggests that sampled economies need to boost the share of renewable and nuclear energy in their energy mix to lower carbon emissions. Policymakers in these countries need to invest more in clean energy sources and green technologies to enhance their supply and accessibility.