Does Artificial Intelligence Bring to Renewable Energy Innovation？Yes, Empirical Investigation for 51 Countries?

The development of high-tech industries, represented by artificial intelligence (AI), plays an important role in driving renewable energy innovation (REI). This paper analyzes the effects and mechanisms of AI on REI, using data from 51 countries from 1993 to 2019. The results show that AI can promote REI by increasing research and development (R&D) investment, improving labor productivity and institutional quality. The impact varies depending on the level and type of REI, the type of AI, the level of national income, and the extent of digital infrastructure. In addition, by constructing a spatial Durbin model, this paper also shows that AI inhibits the innovation level of neighboring countries while promoting REI at home. In view of this, countries should make full use of the advantages of AI, increase investment in R&D of AI in the field of RE, improve the efficiency of RE production and use, and establish an international cooperation framework of AI for energy innovation among countries in an effort to promote REI.