Unveiling the dynamics of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption in driving environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa

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Introduction Sub-Saharan Africa faces increasing environmental pressure amid rising energy demand, economic growth, and rapid population expansion. While renewable energy is often promoted as a pathway to sustainable development, fossil fuel dependence remains widespread in the region. This study examines the dynamic effects of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption on environmental sustainability in 27 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2009–2021. Methods The study employs a dynamic panel framework using the System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator to address potential endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity, and dynamic persistence in environmental indicators. The empirical model incorporates renewable energy consumption, fossil fuel consumption, economic growth, population growth, industrialization, and electricity consumption as key determinants of environmental sustainability. Results and discussion The findings reveal that renewable energy consumption significantly reduces environmental degradation, confirming its ecological benefits in the region. In contrast, fossil fuel consumption emerges as a major driver of environmental deterioration. Economic growth and population expansion significantly intensify environmental pressure, underscoring the challenge of reconciling development objectives with sustainability goals. Industrialization and electricity consumption exhibit only limited effects on environmental degradation. Discussion and policy implications The results highlight the urgent need to accelerate the transition from carbon-intensive energy sources to cleaner alternatives in Sub-Saharan Africa. Policymakers should prioritize investment in renewable energy infrastructure, implement targeted strategies to reduce fossil fuel dependence, and strengthen institutional frameworks to enhance energy governance. Such measures are essential not only for achieving environmental sustainability but also for promoting long-term economic resilience in the region.

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